Key Takeaways– Both athletes are set to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
- Brett Clough, a seasoned powerlifter with over a decade of experience, is making a comeback after three injuries in six months.
- Jacob Constas transitioned from softball to powerlifting during the pandemic and now aims for a 1,000‑pound total.
- Their fathers serve as spotters and supporters, embodying the collaborative spirit of Special Olympics. – Trainers emphasize enjoyment of the journey, highlighting the athletes’ mutual encouragement and personal growth.
Event Anticipation and Preparation
The opening of Amoskeam Fitness on a quiet Saturday morning set the stage for a pivotal preparation session. Brett Clough and Jacob Constas, both young men training for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, took advantage of the open doors to perform heavy lifts. With only 35 days remaining before the competition, the atmosphere was charged with purpose. Their fathers, Sam Clough and Steve Constas, stood nearby as spotters, while Sharon Palermo, their Special Olympics trainer, oversaw the routine. This collective involvement underscores the strong community support surrounding the athletes as they edge closer to their debut.
Brett Clough’s Resilience and Strength
Clough, the elder of the two lifters, brings a decade‑long powerlifting career to the table. His recent trajectory, however, has been marred by three distinct injuries—a broken ankle, a pulled muscle, and a fall—all occurring within a six‑month span. Despite these setbacks, Clough maintains a measured optimism, describing his progress as “slow but moving.” On the morning of the reported session, he deadlifted 325 pounds with apparent ease, reaffirming his status as a state record holder in New Hampshire for squat, deadlift, and total combination. His training philosophy centers on continual self‑improvement; he constantly seeks to break his own records while adjusting his expectations to align with his current physical condition.
Jacob Constas’s Transition and Drive
Across the gym, Jacob Constas focused on bench pressing, a movement that marks his shift from softball to powerlifting. Constas previously participated in the last USA Games as a softball player, but he found his true calling in the individualized nature of weightlifting. He began his powerlifting journey during the pandemic through home‑based workouts, describing the sport as an “itch” that other team sports could not satisfy. Now based in Dover, Constas is targeting a cumulative total of 1,000 pounds at the upcoming Games. Unlike team environments, powerlifting grants him complete control over his body and destiny, fueling his confidence as he declares, “I’m ready right now.”
Supportive Roles of Fathers and Trainers
The fathers of both athletes play integral, hands‑on roles as spotters and motivators. While they cannot compete on stage, their presence provides essential encouragement and practical assistance during training sessions. Sharon Palermo, the athletes’ trainer, emphasizes the symbiotic relationships among the participants. She notes that the competitors “want each other to succeed,” highlighting the unique camaraderie fostered by Special Olympics. This supportive dynamic extends beyond individual effort, creating an environment where mutual respect and shared enthusiasm elevate the preparation process for all involved.
Looking Forward to Competition
As the countdown to the 2026 Games narrows, both athletes and their support network are concentrating on fine‑tuning performance. Palermo and her trainees maintain a marathon‑like training cadence, progressively increasing intensity while managing the anticipation that builds toward competition day. The fathers, although unable to lift on stage, remain enthusiastic cheerleaders, embodying the spirit of solidarity that defines Special Olympics events. Ultimately, the athletes’ journeys reflect not only personal ambition but also the collective empowerment derived from community, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence despite past setbacks.