At just 18 years old, Steven Carreras is already making a name for himself in the world of powerlifting.

The Donegal High School senior recently captured national attention at the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Rochester Grand Prix in April, where he broke two national records in the Raw Full Power division for Junior Men ages 16 to 17 in the 67.5-kilogram weight class.

Steven posted a total of 590 kilograms, or approximately 1,300 pounds, across the squat, bench press and deadlift, surpassing the previous national record total of 570.5 kilograms. His deadlift of 295 kilograms, or 650 pounds, also shattered the previous national record of 258 kilograms.

For Steven, the accomplishment was exciting not because of the recognition, but because it reflected the work he had put in behind the scenes.

"I was more excited about setting my own personal record and the number I had set for myself," he said. "It was recognition of the work I'd done leading up to it, with all the prep and lifting sessions."

Steven has been lifting weights since he was about 12 years old. His mother, Mindy, first introduced him to fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic through at-home workouts.

"She's always been big into fitness and staying healthy," he said. "During COVID, we had some free time, and I did some at-home workouts with her, and I enjoyed it. Then I started going to the gym, and it just snowballed from there."

While he enjoyed weightlifting in general, Steven quickly became drawn to the squat, bench press and deadlift.

"I love just doing the three lifts," he said. "When I learned there was a sport where you compete in those lifts, I wanted to try it. I'm a perfectionist, and I enjoy trying to do everything as well as I can, always performing better."

Steven began training seriously a few years ago, and he now trains four days a week at The Foundry in Lancaster. He follows a demanding schedule that focuses heavily on refining technique and steadily increasing strength.

Powerlifting competitions center around the squat, bench press and deadlift, with competitors attempting their heaviest successful lift in each event. In "raw" lifting, athletes can use supportive gear like wrist wraps, knee sleeves and lifting belts. "Equipped lifting" allows additional supportive suits and wraps.

Steven competes in raw full power, meaning he participates in all three events.

His first competition took place in August 2025 in Scranton through Powerlifting America. While he considered the meet a learning experience, it also gave him confidence.

"It went well," he said. "I was able to set some personal records and get used to the environment."

At the time, he believed his deadlift had the greatest potential.

"I looked ahead and saw the national record, and I knew I had that," he said. "I could do that."

Later that year, Steven competed in a Lancaster meet, where he set personal records in all three lifts with a 410-pound squat, a 245-pound bench press and a 600-pound deadlift.

At the Rochester Grand Prix in April, he exceeded even those numbers, squatting 413 pounds and deadlifting 650 pounds.

"I knew going in what numbers I wanted," he said. "The deadlift was very close to what I wanted, and squat and bench fell a little bit short."

After graduation this spring, Steven plans to attend Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh this fall to study actuarial science. He also plans to continue competing throughout college.

One of his long-term goals is qualifying for the USPA Ultra Nationals in 2027, a competition that brings together top lifters from across the country. To qualify, athletes must first compete at the Pennsylvania state championships, which Steven plans to do this October.

Outside the gym, Steven enjoys playing video games, watching TV and spending time with his family, including his parents, Edward and Mindy, and his older brother, Joseph.

For young people interested in powerlifting, Steven encourages patience and proper technique.

"Don't rush too quickly into it," he said. "It's very easy to start trying to lift too heavy too quick and hurt yourself. Properly execute the lifts first. ... Try out the squat, bench and deadlift and see if you like doing them."