The large roll-up door at Amoskeag Fitness was open on Saturday morning. Brett Clough and Jacob Constas needed some fresh as they lifted hundreds of pounds inside.
The two young men are preparing for their biggest show of the year. They’re headed to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota in 35 days.
On that quiet morning they were joined by their fathers, Sam Clough and Steve Constas, and Sharon Palermo, their Special Olympics trainer.
Clough, the older of the two, has powerlifted for over 10 years. This year, though, has been especially challenging. He’s suffered three injuries in the span of six months.
The Quechee, Vt. native was at the 2022 Orlando USA Games and had hoped to best himself by leaps and bounds but the setbacks have been brutal. A broken ankle, a pulled muscle and a slip all hurt.
“It’s been slow, a slow climb but it’s moving,” he said.
This cycle has not been ideal to say the least, but his competitive drive is unwavering. On Saturday morning, he was deadlifting 325 pounds with ease.
Clough holds state records in New Hampshire for the squat, deadlift and the overall combination (squat, bench and deadlift). The sound of weights crashing down with no fear is a constant when he’s there.
He’s adjusting his expectations. Yet, he’s always trying to best himself. Always chasing a record.
Right across the room, Constas was bench pressing. He also made an appearance at the last games, but as a softball player.
Powerlifting is his new, permanent thing now. He tried every sport but nothing clicked. Constas loved the individual nature of it, although he is slightly frustarted his trainers won’t let him do more running on the treadmill.
He started during the pandemic. At-home workouts. Lifting became a personal haven.
“It’s an itch I couldn’t scratch. It’s an itch that basketball, soccer, volleyball, or softball couldn’t scratch,” he said.
Constas is going for a full 1000 pounds total at the USA Games. The Dover native clicked with pushing himself hard in the gym.
There’s no one yelling instructions or giving him tips like in softball. He is in control of his own body and destiny. Constas just has to meet the moment.
“I hope I’ve done enough. I even told my coach, like, ‘I’m ready right now,'” Constas said.
With only a month before the competition, Palermo and her trainees are focused on priming themselves.
In many ways, a training cycle for such a big event feels like a marathon. You ramp up and up, and the anticipation keeps building.
The fathers are spotters, supporters and weight movers too. They’re as excited as their sons are but they can’t lift the weight on stage for them, either.
Palermo wants them to enjoy the ride, despite all the setbacks. “They want each other to succeed. That’s the thing about Special Olympics,” she said. “Even if Brett’s over Jacob, they’ll be happy for each other.”
