An Austin youth went to the World Power lifting championships in Reno, Nev. this past weekend with one thing on his mind — taking first.

Storm Draayer did that quite well over the weekend as he took first in the 148-pound weight class for the dead lift (231.2 pounds) and bench press (115.7 pounds). The 11-year old was competing in the 12-13 year division, but he wasn’t fazed.

“I was expecting to take first when I got there,” Storm said. “There were a lot of strong teenagers, but the kids in my class weren’t that huge.”

Storm, who is a sixth grader at Ellis Middle School, felt a little nervous on the big stage, but he didn’t let it get to him.

The weekend was long awaited one for the power lifter, who had wanted to compete in Reno the past two years.

“The first and second plane ride were fun for me, but not for my dad,” Storm said. “When we finally got there I was like ‘Oh my gosh we’re in Reno!” I didn’t want to go to bad that night.”

Storm’s weights at the world championships were actually about five pounds below what he’s lifted at T.J.’s Gym in Austin. But that can be expected after a busy week in Reno.

“Travel 1,500 miles, four nights in a strange bed, four days of eating food you’re not used to it and all that time in the swimming pool and the arcade can take its toll,” Storm’s dad Christian Draayer said. “By the time he came to lift on Sunday he was tired. Those numbers are pretty good considering what he went through before he lifted.”

While Storm didn’t break any record or win best lifter in his age group, he still has two years in his age group to get better.

“He’s got two and a half years in this age group and in two and a half years you’re not even going to recognize him,” Christian said.

Storm, who has won 10 state championships in lifting, will be looking for his 11th and 12th titles when he competes in Iowa in April.

Storm also thanked his sponsors, who helped pay for his trip. They are: WABDL, Meat Packers Union, Coromega, Hy-Vee, Games People Play, Apollo, Bell Liquor and George’s Pizza.