Zane Sanchez won a state powerlifting championship earlier this school year.
The Lapeer High School junior then took home a national championship.
But wait, he wasn't done yet.
Over the weekend, Sanchez became a world champion, winning the 275-pound weight class at the IDFPA (International Drug-Free Powerlifting Association) Student and University World Championships down in Tampa, Fla.
"I feel great about the win," said Sanchez. "Preparing for this competition was one of the most challenging things I've done, not just physically, but mentally as well. There were times when the meet was all I could think about. Every training session, every meal, every recovery day was focused on performing at my best on the platform.
"Overall, I'm happy to come away with the world championship, but I know I left more out there."
VIDEO: Zane Sanchez's lifts at IDFPA Student and University World Championships
Even in winning, Sanchez showed a mature, humble side to his character.
"Squat is still the lift I'm most frustrated with," he said. "I hit 644.6 pounds on my third attempt, and it absolutely flew. Honestly, I felt like I had 700 pounds in me that day. Unfortunately, after missing my opener on depth, I had to play it safe and make a smaller jump from 597 to 617. My coach didn't want me taking a massive jump after the miss, which was the smart call, but it's still hard not to think about what could have been. Outside of squat, I'm very satisfied with my performance. Bench moved well, and deadlift exceeded my expectations. I honestly didn't expect to pull 628 pounds. After squats, I was dealing with some back issues, and for a while I wasn't sure how the rest of the day would go, but once I stepped onto the platform, the adrenaline took over and the pain disappeared.
"By the end of the competition, I felt much better about how everything came together. Winning the IDFPA World Championship is something I'm incredibly proud of, and it's a reward for all of the hard work, but the feeling didn't last long because now my focus is already on what's next. I don't just want to win at this level. I want to compete against the very best lifters in the world."
Next up is the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) World Championships in 2027.
"The IPF is the highest level of tested powerlifting and represents the toughest competition in the sport," Sanchez said. "Only the top athletes earn the opportunity to represent Team USA and each weight class is limited to just two lifters. This year's championship is being held in South Africa, and while I don't know where next year's will be yet, I fully intend to be there.
"Winning this title was a huge milestone, but it's not the destination. It's just another step toward bigger goals, and I'm more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward."
PREVIOUSLY (April 2, 2026): Lapeer's Sanchez adds to powerlifting state title accolades, crowned national champion