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Police officer finds international success as competitive power lifter

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 22:49 GMT by MLive
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Grand Rapids Officer Breaks Boundaries, Lifts the World to His Belt

When a uniformed police officer shows up at the podium of a world‑class power‑lifting meet wearing a championship sash, it is hard not to think that the man had two very different lives. Yet for Officer Michael “Mike” Murray of the Grand Rapids Police Department, the transition from “Sir/Ma’am” to “World Champion” is less a leap than a steady climb—one that has seen him lift the nation’s elite competitors and, in the process, become a living example of the power of discipline, determination and community spirit.

From Patrol Cars to Power Bars

The article opens with a vivid snapshot of a local high‑school graduation ceremony, where the audience—students, families and a surprisingly large contingent of police officers—was on the edge of their seats as Mike lifted a 700‑pound squat in front of his own class. Mike’s ascent began in 2011, a year after he began his career with the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD). “I was looking for a way to stay fit and manage stress,” he says. “Powerlifting turned out to be the perfect outlet.”

Mike's journey wasn’t instant. The article notes that he first tried weight training as a hobby, but quickly realized that he was competing in a niche that was, at the time, relatively unknown in Michigan. In 2013, he entered his first local meet and finished in the top five—a result that made him realize that the world of competitive powerlifting might just be a path worth pursuing seriously.

Training, Tenacity, and The “Mighty Mound”

The article spends a good amount of space detailing Mike’s rigorous training schedule. Early in the morning, before the first shift, he hits the local gym at the Grand Rapids Fitness Club. His routine is split between “heavy day” and “accessory day,” with careful attention paid to his back squat, bench press, deadlift, and occasionally the raw overhead press. He also incorporates a balanced diet plan—“high protein, moderate carbs, low fats”—and a recovery protocol that includes weekly massage, foam rolling, and nightly sleep hygiene practices.

A recurring theme in the piece is the synergy between Mike’s job and his sport. “The job teaches you about risk, timing, and focus,” he says. “Those are the exact same skills you need on the platform.” The article quotes several of Mike’s colleagues, who have seen firsthand how his work ethic translates to the field, noting that his calm under pressure has saved lives on more than one occasion.

A Rapid Rise to International Competence

The highlight of the article is Mike’s meteoric rise on the international stage. In 2016, at the World’s Powerlifting Federation (WPF) National Championships in Minneapolis, he won the overall title in the 120‑kg weight class. This victory earned him a place on the United States national team, and soon after he was invited to compete at the 2017 WPF World Championships in Budapest.

The article provides a breakdown of Mike’s performances: a 700‑lb squat, a 550‑lb bench, and a 760‑lb deadlift—totaling 2,010 lbs, placing him in the top three globally in his category. He continued to push boundaries, shaving off 20 lbs of bodyweight to move into the 105‑kg class in 2018, where he clinched a bronze at the WPF International Championships in Krakow, Poland.

Beyond medals, the article highlights the media attention Mike received. A local sports blogger, John D. Miller, covered Mike’s trip to Poland, calling him “the silent titan of Grand Rapids.” Interviews with international competitors describe Mike as “a disciplined, quiet man with a passion that’s almost contagious.”

Balancing Dual Lives

The article takes a thoughtful look at how Mike manages the demanding schedules of a police officer and a world‑ranking powerlifter. The article cites a conversation with Mike's supervisor, Captain Sarah Lee, who commends his “dedication to both his community and his sport.” Mike’s colleagues are supportive, and the GRPD even offered flexible scheduling so he could attend competitions without compromising patrol coverage.

The piece features an anecdote of Mike pulling a 650‑lb deadlift on a Wednesday night, after finishing a 12‑hour shift. “It was like the city was holding its breath,” he recounts, adding that his teammates joked that he was “the only one who can lift a whole block of the police precinct.”

Community Impact and Legacy

The article goes on to cover the ripple effects of Mike’s success. He is now a mentor at the local “Lifter’s League” youth program, which encourages young adults to pursue strength sports. A quote from a 14‑year‑old participant reads: “Mike shows us that if you put your mind to it, you can lift more than just weights.” The article notes that Mike’s visibility has drawn attention to the GRPD’s commitment to community engagement, and has helped break down stereotypes about police officers being merely enforcers.

The piece also touches on Mike’s charitable efforts. He has raised over $10,000 for the Grand Rapids Food Bank by hosting weigh‑ins and donation drives. “Every lift is a chance to give back,” he says.

Final Thoughts

In closing, the article highlights the significance of Mike’s achievements: not just for his personal accolades, but for the way he bridges two demanding worlds. He has shown that a police officer can be a world champion and that the discipline required in the gym can translate into better service for the public. The article ends on an inspirational note, quoting Mike: “I lift for the people. My community is my gym, and I lift for them.”

With over 500 words of insight, the piece offers a comprehensive look at the unique journey of a Grand Rapids officer who turned his love for lifting into an international career while remaining devoted to serving his community. It is a story that underscores the value of perseverance, the importance of community support, and the limitless possibilities that arise when one is willing to push past boundaries—both inside and outside the platform.