Henry Murphy powers his way to a new record in March at the Canadian Powerlifting Union Spring Open in Edmonton.
At 17, Henry Murphy isn’t your typical high school student. While most teens are navigating Driver’s Ed or juggling homework with part-time jobs, this Croxford High School student is quietly redefining what’s possible, one bench press at a time.
Earlier this spring, Henry did more than compete. He made history.
The Grade 11 student shattered the Alberta provincial bench press record in the sub-junior, 83-kg category at his very first sanctioned meet. His official lift? A jaw-dropping 158 kg (348 lbs), surpassing the previous provincial record of 150 kg and edging out the current national record in his division.
Let that sink in: A teenager from Airdrie just benched more than any sub-junior in the nation’s history.
“It feels surreal,” Henry says, humbly. “The work I’ve put in is starting to show, but I know I’m just getting started.”
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is how new Henry is to the sport. He only began training seriously in December of last year, using a free Genesis Place gym membership from his lifeguarding job as a springboard.
Inspired by YouTube clips of legendary bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman, Henry quickly realized he had a rare combination of drive, discipline and raw strength.
Now, with a personal best of 165.5 kg (365 lbs) on the bench press, Henry is on track to compete at the provincial level again later this year, where the national record may finally become official. His path forward includes aspirations to qualify for nationals and a shot at the World Championships on the global stage.
Behind every great lift is a village, and Henry’s support network is nothing short of powerful. At Croxford High, he’s found unwavering encouragement from teachers and coaches, alike.
“Coach Vosman has been instrumental,” Henry shares, referring to Keegan Vosman, Croxford’s athletic director and football coach. “He saw my potential right away and made sure I had access to training space and structure.”
Connor Smith, Croxford’s biology and outdoor ed teacher, also stepped up to adjust the school’s rugby schedule to accommodate Henry’s training and competition commitments.
At home, his father, Justin Murphy, has been one of his biggest cheerleaders.
“I told him when he left swimming that he had to find something that lit a fire in him,” says Justin. “Powerlifting did that. Watching him set goals and crush them, it’s been incredible.”
Discipline is now part of Henry’s daily rhythm. He trains after school, maintains high academic standards, works part-time and sticks to a strategic nutrition plan. There’s no shortcut to success, he insists, just consistency and grit.
“To younger athletes in Airdrie, I’d say this: train to failure, eat like it matters and don’t skip the hard days,” Henry says.
While Henry’s lifting accomplishments are record-breaking, it’s his grounded mindset and vision for the future that truly inspire. He dreams of being sponsored, stepping onto the Mr. Olympia stage one day, and ultimately benching 600 lbs.
But, for now, he’s focused on what he loves most: training, competing and proudly representing Airdrie.
“I love it here,” he says. “My friends, my job, the gym, this is where it all started. Genesis Place feels like home.”
Whether it’s provincials, nationals or even the world championships, one thing is certain: Henry Murphy isn’t just lifting weights. He’s lifting the aspirations of a community that believes in him.
And, from what we’ve seen so far, he’s only just getting warmed up.
