He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother!

December 14, 2015

Robert Gassert, a sophomore Professional Communications major, knows a thing or two about brotherly love. How else could he have helped transform his younger brother Steven – who was born with Down Syndrome – into a champion powerlifter?

Steven had a debilitating disability to overcome, and as a child even had to be held up in order to sit upright. But he was determined to get better, and with Robert’s help became a teen National Champion Powerlifter in the USPAL. In October Steven won first prize in the USA Powerlifting 2015 Raw Nationals. And keeping it all in the family, Robert – also a powerlifter – placed fourth.

Steven has accomplished so much in the sport that he even has a sponsor – Contraband Sports. You can follow Steven on Instagram at @stevengpowerlifter59kg.