Tag Archives: Isaac Bankens

2026 USAWA AWARD WINNERS: Newcomer of the Year (Men)

We are at the end of the individual awards and by no means the least. The 2026 USAWA Newcomer of the year (Men) is Isaac Bankens, from Iron Sharpens Iron Weightlifting Club in Lake Charles, LA. Isaac is the latest in a string of young people winning this award. And it’s great to see young people joining our sport! Isaac was voted Lifter of the Month in February. He is a relatively quiet individual who does very well in school (way to go!), and when he’s not studying, he’s competing in all-around lifting and in grip sport! Isaac finished first in the junior men’s division of the 2026 Bayou Beast Bash. He’s a great sport as well as he puts up some big numbers but does not make a show of it. There’s even a great video of him doing a 435-pound Dinnie lift on his dad’s Facebook page, none other than Jeff “T-Rex” Bankens. Isaac is a chip off the old block, and in the coming years will give dad a run for his money! But, like his dad, he’s a fun guy to be around. Congratulations Isaac Bankens, the 2026 USAWA Newcomer of the year!    

LIFTER OF THE MONTH, FEBRUARY 2026, ISAAC BANKENS

February featured the 2026 Bayou Beast Bash and the Ground to Overhead Challenge.  Results from the USAWA Club Championships are still pending.  Isaac Bankens earned lifter of the month with his amazing 397-pound total at the Bayou Beast Bash which was good enough to win the Junior Men category and was in the mix in the overall standings.

Following the competition, Isaac went on to perform a 361-pound Dinnie Lift and 300-pound Kennedy lift.

Isaac also competes in grip sport and shows a level of sportsmanship and poise that makes you forget he is only 12 years old.

Congratulations Isaac!

Do you know a USAWA member who should be recognized as lifter of the month? Send nominations to the acting Secretary at usawasec@gmail.com