Get to know: Javier Flores

BELLE GLADE – We are coming upon a huge weekend for Javier Flores and the Glades Central Raiders weightlifting program.

The 5-foot-5, 128-pound freshman (Class of 2027) is coming off a masterful performance in the Class 1A-Region 4 weightlifting meet at Frostproof High School in Frostproof on April 4.

Here is the individual result for Flores in this pivotal meet:

129-LB CLASS FOR GLADES CENTRAL

Third place – 380

Flores spoke on his placement.

“I got third place in my weight class mostly for making all of the lifts,” Flores said. “And what helped me get there was just staying dedicated and putting all the hard work in to get third place. Also, thanks to all the coaches for always motivating me and the team. I know I have bigger things coming for me, so I’m going to keep grinding.”

Of the seven weightlifting meetings that Flores has participated in, the regional meet was his best one of the season.

“I maxed out on my clean and jerk with 185 pounds,” Flores said. “My bench was 195 pounds and my snatch was 140 pounds.”

Flores on being a Class 1A state qualifier:

“This is my first year ever weightlifting in my life, and I’m a freshman,” Flores said. “It feels amazing to be able to qualify for my first time doing this.”

Flores spoke on Glades Central weightlifting head coach Sheldon Harriott’s impact on him as a freshman.

“What I could tell you about my coach Sheldon Harriott is that he’s an amazing coach,” Flores said. “He taught me very well. He’s taught me how to get my technique better and how to be explosive with my lifts. Overall, he motivates me and pushes me to the best of my ability.”

Flores and his fellow teammates at Glades Central will be competing for both the Class 1A team state title and a series of individual state titles, including himself. It will take place from tomorrow until Saturday (April 19-20) at RP Funding Center (Jenkins Arena) in Lakeland.

“To win the state championship, I would have to put up big numbers,” Flores said. “But I’m going to try my very best at the meet. It would feel great to win the state title as an individual and as a team. Why? Because I’m new to this. And I feel like it would be huge for the team to win a weightlifting state championship.”

PHOTO CREDITS: Aiyannaflixxz (Instagram)