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Avery County Weightlifter Seeking to Become a World Champion

The 365 Strong World Powerlifting Federation’s World Games are set to begin on Friday, and Avery County resident Blake Stanley is hoping to become the county’s first world champion in any sport.

Stanley has been averaging three hours a day lifting and doing active recovery work preparing to become a world champion weightlifter and the High Country’s second World Champion (Benny Parsons won the 1973 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion).

The event is set to take place from Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17 and is slated to feature representatives from about 13 countries. The event takes place at Muzz’s Gym, located at 201 NC Highway 268, Elkin Hwy Suite J in North Wilkesboro and will begin on Friday at 6:15 p.