More than 50 competitors, including law enforcement officers, military veterans and athletes, participated in the 250 Bench Press Challenge organized by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) in Columbia, South Carolina, to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
The event challenged participants to perform as many repetitions as possible while bench pressing 250 pounds using standard free weights without supportive lifting equipment. Lifts were verified by gym personnel or law enforcement officials.
Participants represented several organizations, including the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Cayce Department of Public Safety, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, alongside college football players, competitive powerlifters, martial artists and military veterans.
Competitive powerlifter Lawrence Brimfield and participant Joey Brown recorded the highest repetition totals, completing 31 and 32 repetitions respectively. Brimfield also achieved the event’s heaviest verified lift with a single 505-pound bench press.
The challenge featured competitors ranging in age from 19 to 74, highlighting participation across multiple generations. Those who successfully completed at least one repetition earned commemorative awards recognizing their achievement.
Organizers said the event was designed to celebrate physical fitness, teamwork and community service while marking the nation’s 250th birthday. Several local businesses and community organizations supported the competition through sponsorships.
