Beaufort SC, August 28, 2025

News Summary

Dade Stanley and C.J. Cummings, young weightlifters from Beaufort, SC, are making waves in the sport with groundbreaking achievements. Stanley captured gold at the Youth Pan Am Championships, while Cummings broke the American clean-and-jerk record. Both athletes inspire local youth and enhance the community’s reputation in competitive weightlifting, with their eyes set on future Olympic aspirations. Their successes are pivotal in promoting weightlifting as a sport in Beaufort, showcasing a bright future for aspiring athletes in the area.

Beaufort’s Rising Stars: Weightlifters Dade Stanley and C.J. Cummings Make History and Head Towards Olympic Glory

Beaufort, SC – Two promising young athletes from Beaufort, Dade Stanley and C.J. Cummings, are quite literally raising the bar in the world of weightlifting, achieving unprecedented milestones and igniting local pride. At the Youth Pan Am Championships in 2019, Stanley secured gold medals in Snatch, Clean and Jerk, and Overall in the 81kg weight class, marking a significant feat in his weightlifting career.

Simultaneously, C.J. Cummings, known as a prodigy in the sport, made headlines when he shattered the American clean-and-jerk record during the U.S. National Weightlifting Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cummings, just 14 years old at the time, lifted an impressive 336 pounds, setting a new benchmark that had stood for over 12 years. With this achievement, he has earned recognition as the strongest male at his age worldwide, having broken over 30 records in a mere two-month span.

Both athletes have established themselves as bright stars in the weightlifting community, with Cummings being compared to LeBron James for his extraordinary impact on the sport. Their achievements not only place them on the national stage but also inspire youth in Beaufort and beyond to embrace weightlifting as a sport.

Achievements of Dade Stanley and C.J. Cummings

In 2019, Dade Stanley’s successful performance at the Youth Pan Am Championships showcased his remarkable talent and dedication, as he achieved gold in all three categories of competition. As he continues to improve his personal bests, Stanley aims to further his career on international platforms.

On the other hand, C.J. Cummings’s meteoric rise in the sport has captivated many. Recognized for his astonishing lifting talent, Cummings draws attention from coaches and athletes alike. His coach, Ray Jones, is conscious of the potential that lies ahead, particularly with the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro serving as a focal point for training and preparation.

Local Development and Community Impact

The Foundry in Beaufort has emerged as a significant center for weightlifting, serving as a venue for competitions and fostering local talent. Cummings aims to inspire the younger generation, urging local youth to engage in weightlifting, thereby promoting the sport within the community.

The success of athletes like Stanley and Cummings highlights the dedication and hard work characterizing Beaufort’s rising prominence in the weightlifting arena. Their achievements not only enhance their careers but also represent a source of pride and motivation for aspiring weightlifters in the region.

Background on Weightlifting in Beaufort

Beaufort’s commitment to weightlifting has grown over recent years, as local facilities and programs support athletes striving for excellence in this demanding sport. The presence of accomplished athletes such as Dade Stanley and C.J. Cummings signifies a bright future for weightlifting in the area, positioning Beaufort as a hub for talent in this athletic discipline.

As both young weightlifters continue to break records and set high standards for their peers, their journey toward Olympic glory reflects the hard work, dedication, and spirit that define the local community. Their accomplishments not only mark personal milestones but also serve to inspire a collective movement towards excellence in weightlifting across Beaufort.

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HERE Resources

Beaufort, South Carolina’s Historical Events and Recent Tragedies
Upcoming Community Events in Beaufort County
Beaufort Celebrates Local Weightlifting Achievements
Leadership Changes and Local Achievements in Beaufort

Additional Resources

• WTOC: Beaufort Weightlifter Defies the Odds and Makes History
• Wikipedia: C.J. Cummings
• Eat Stay Play Beaufort: C.J. Cummings Sets Another Record
• Google Search: C.J. Cummings
• Washington Post: C.J. Cummings, America’s Next Great Weightlifter
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weightlifting

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.