Cannon Greco Hiranaka, a multiple sport athlete and 2014 graduate of Hawaii Preparatory Academy placed first in powerlifting at the California State Games held July 18-19 in San Diego.
The former HPA football player and wrestler traveled to California where he competed against all ages in the Raw Open 163-pound (74 kilos) weight class, Hiranaka squatted 345 points, bench pressed 245 and deadlifted 515 to bring back a gold medal in in age group.
“I was really excited about my performance,” Hiranaka said. “I was a little surprised but I knew my hard work would pay off.”
Hiranaka’s total points in the three competitions also qualified him for Raw Nationals, which will be held in Scranton, Pennsylvania in October.
Coincidentally, Hiranaka is currently attending college at the University of Scranton, which will help cut down on his travel costs.
Hiranaka began serious training in powerlifting at the age of 14 under the tutelage of Kevin Teves and got a taste competition early, becoming the youngest athlete to compete in the Paradise Cup Bodybuilding contest at the age of 16.
He originally started training to help with football and wrestling at HPA. After high school he tried bodybuilding but was not happy with the lack of athleticism involved, which eventually convinced him to pursue powerlifting.
“I grew up around powerlifting and had powerlifting coaches around me,” Hiranaka said. “It was a more natural progression.”
Hiranaka, who is now his own training coach, has dedicated himself to the sport of powerlifting and is currenlty working on getting better for Raw Nationals.
“I hope to break a lot of personal records and place as well as I can,” Hiranaka said.
At the University of Scranton, Hiranaka is currenlty working towards a degree in Sports Medicine/Exercise Science degree.
“Health and fitness is a passion of mine,” Hiranaka said. “It is something I can do for the rest of my life.”