By Dr. Derek Wilcox
Dr. Derek Wilcox, PhD in Sport Physiology and Performance, is the US Army Head Powerlifting Coach and a record-setting powerlifter. A longtime RP coach, he combines world-class competitive experience in multiple sports with advanced academic expertise to deliver science-backed, results-driven coaching for athletes and everyday clients alike.
A Unique Opportunity
This year I had the opportunity to combine several of my passions into one unforgettable experience. In the spring, I was offered an adaptive powerlifting coaching position with the US Army, and I couldn’t have been more excited.
My father served in the Army during Vietnam. My career as a professional powerlifter consumed my life for many years. The focus of my PhD studies was adaptive powerlifting. Somehow, all of these paths intersected and led me to the Warrior Games.
What Are the Warrior Games?
You can watch coverage of the Warrior Games Powerlifting event on Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, or the Department of Defense website:
Watch the event here
From the Department of Defense Warrior Games website:
Events include archery, cycling, field events, indoor rowing, powerlifting, precision air sports, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby.
Why This Program Matters
Having a goal to work toward can be the difference between truly living or simply existing. We all need direction, and this program is incredibly valuable, especially after seeing it in person.
Being goal-oriented has driven me in my academic career and my own training for competition. That mindset deeply resonated with me, and I wanted to give these soldiers my absolute best to prepare them for competition.
Entering Military Culture
Before this role, I had never worked directly with the military. There was an adjustment period—learning the culture, the structure, and the endless acronyms I didn’t understand at first.
Our staff and soldiers were quick to help. In many ways, they did for me what I was there to do for them: guide me toward success. Everyone was easy to work with, committed, and willing to do whatever it took to make things run smoothly. I was deeply impressed with the discipline and attitude of the Army across the board.
Preparing for the Games
After the Army Trials in April, where team selections were made, the big competition arrived in July in Colorado Springs.
Adaptive powerlifting is different from traditional powerlifting, as it’s bench press only. The bench is a full table with Velcro straps to secure lifters for maximum stability. This design creates as level a playing field as possible for athletes with a wide range of disabilities.
The rules are also slightly different. The head judge only gives the start and rack commands. The coach stands beside the bench and calls “press” when the bar is motionless on the chest, according to the rules.
Competition Day
On the day of the event, I was nervous. These soldiers had trained hard, and I wanted them to have every opportunity to succeed. My nerves disappeared quickly thanks to the other coaches.
Coach Steve Bortle and Coach Brent Garlic had our lifters perfectly prepared in the warm-up area. Our fearless leader for Team Army, Coach Adriane Wilson, managed the board and attempt selections with precision. This allowed me to focus completely on the competition floor, helping athletes into position, handing off the bar, and coaching each lift.
Results That Matter
Our soldiers rose to the occasion. They lifted with discipline, intensity, and pride. Team Army earned eight medals in powerlifting: three gold, three silver, and two bronze.
I couldn’t be prouder, not just of the results, but of their spirit, which embodied the mission of the Warrior Games.
The day had its lighter moments too. At one point, I had to chase down a double amputee carrying his prosthetic legs. That’s not something they teach you in coaching school.
Lessons and Gratitude
It was an honor to work with our soldiers and alongside such an incredible group of coaches. I leaned heavily on their advice and experience. When you have the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of giants, you take it, not just for yourself, but because you owe it to your athletes.
I left this competition a different person than when I arrived, grateful for the experience and inspired by the athletes I had the privilege to coach.
I’m already looking forward to the next Warrior Games in 2026.
Unlock your full potential with 1:1 coaching from Dr. Derek Wilcox. With decades of competitive experience and advanced expertise in sport physiology, Derek delivers personalized, science-backed programming designed to help you build strength, improve performance, and achieve your goals, whether you’re training for competition or chasing personal bests.
Find Dr. Wilcox on..
Instagram: @wilcoxstrengthinc
