LYNNFIELD — Not everyone can call themselves a champion, but Lynnfield’s Marlon Monteiro isn’t just anyone.
Monteiro, who has cerebral palsy, captured a gold medal in the bench press at the Special Olympics, held at Harvard University earlier this month.
A graduate of Stoneham High, Monteiro, 52, began lifting weights in high school and hasn’t looked back. With years of dedication behind him, he entered the competition full of confidence.
“There were a lot of people competing. I knew I was going to win,” he said. “I was amped up and ready to go. I knew I was going to take it. I knew I was going to get the gold before they even announced it. Mom and Dad and everyone else couldn’t believe it.”
Monteiro benched 265 pounds to take home the top prize, proudly bringing the medal back to Lynnfield. Shortly after, he visited Planet Fitness in Saugus, where he trains daily, to show his friends and fellow gym members.
He also credits his strength to time spent at CrossFit Variance Plus in Beverly with one of his coaches Steve Pruell.
“I train CrossFit, which helps make me stronger,” Monteiro said.
Monteiro said local police officers in Beverly have played a key role in supporting the Special Olympics and volunteering their time.
Now, they’ve helped develop a champion.
“It felt wonderful to win the gold medal,” Monteiro said.
Monteiro still recalls his personal best: a 405-pound bench press. That’s a number he still believes he could hit today.
“I can still pick that weight up,” Monteiro said with a grin.
When asked where his strength comes from, Monteiro pointed to experience.
“I’ve had to carry my body weight since I was 2 years old,” Monteiro said. “I’m on crutches, too, which has made me stronger.”
Though bench pressing is an individual event, Monteiro was grateful for friend and family support.
“I was pretty excited to participate,” he said. “I was looking forward to getting an opportunity to compete. I was excited to have everyone there.”
With heavy lifts still ahead, Monteiro isn’t done competing. He hopes to return to the Special Olympics’ stage – gold medal in hand – and keep pushing his limits.
