FRANKFORT, Ky. –
Army Cadet Blake Embry, a Kentucky Army National Guard Soldier and University of Kentucky ROTC Cadet, made history by setting the Mississippi bench-press record in February 2023.
This feat was accomplished by lifting 343 pounds, which also earned him a victory in the HQ Fitness Show of Strength competition. As a result, he secured a spot in the United States Powerlifting Association National Championships in Las Vegas.
Embry, who enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard during high school, credits being a Soldier as part of his success.
“Being a Soldier and having that discipline instilled in me gave me that drive to get it done, even on days I didn’t feel like working out,” said Embry. “It gave me that drive to just keep going, you know, and that it will be worth it at the end.”
In addition to his powerlifting achievements, Embry's fitness training also helped him excel in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). On his last ACFT, he scored 100 percent in every event except for the run, and he believes that his strength, explosiveness, and endurance are all critical components of his success.
Currently, Embry is attached to the Kentucky Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s Bravo Company Recruit Sustainment Program in Richmond. He is pursuing a degree in kinesiology and hopes to branch aviation or medical services upon commissioning.