02/04/2026
From lifelong athlete to world record holder — Gene’s comeback story is one for the books. 💪🔥
After years of competing in sports and playing men’s softball, Gene shifted his passion to weightlifting. But in early 2020, severe shoulder pain brought him to Dr. Flik at OrthoNY, where an MRI confirmed a significant tear. He underwent surgery that July, requiring five anchors to repair his shoulder.
Recovery meant two months with zero shoulder movement, followed by a steady rehab journey through the end of 2020. At his follow-up, Dr. Flik encouraged him to start light… so Gene began with basic pushups.
Fast forward:
🏋️♂️ August 15, 2021 — he joined a gym.
At that time, in the 60–64 age group at 180 lbs, the American and world bench press record was 308 lbs. Gene trained daily with the encouragement of a fellow lifter.
Then came the moment:
🏆 November 16, 2025 — Gene benched 310 lbs to break the record, then hit 315 lbs to secure his title.
His next mission? Break the record again in the next age bracket. And we have no doubt he will.
At OrthoNY, we turn life’s setbacks into incredible comebacks. 💙
