Strong and Supportive: Meet Powerlifter Dimitri
As the official sponsor of Powerlifting at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Affinity Plus is proud to introduce Dimitri Johnson and his powerlifting journey.
Dimitri Johnson wasn’t looking to get involved in powerlifting, but now as he prepares for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, he’s sure glad he tried it.
“I was trying to find a wrestling team,” Dimitri said. “And I found powerlifting, so I thought I’d try it to get in shape.”
Fast forward a few intense years in the gym, and Dimitri is now representing Minnesota in the upcoming USA Games on the Powerlifting team. He’s also the fitness captain for the powerlifting team.
The point of powerlifting is simple: Move more weight that your opponents in the squat, the deadlift, and the bench press.
“My favorite is the deadlift,” Dimitri said, “That’s what I’m the most confident in.”
But Dimitri says powerlifting is also about competing with yourself and making yourself better. One of his favorite parts of the sport is supporting his teammates and even the athletes on the other teams, too. The powerlifting community is empowering, he said.
Now, his focus is on the USA Games, taking place in Minneapolis June 20-26, 2026.
“I’ve been training hard and going to the gym a lot,” Dimitri said.
Training also includes eating healthy and making sure he’s practicing enough, as well as encouraging his teammates. He wants to be ready to fully cheer them on at the Games, along with all the other athletes.
“I’m looking forward to supporting my team and supporting everyone else and being a fan,” Dimitri said.
He also encourages future athletes to do what they love, and to never give up.
“Practice every day, and try to be supporting and encouraging,” Dimitri said.
