Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
KLAVITTER, Daniel
KLAVITTER, Daniel. (Dubuque, IA-- ). Klavitter was a graduate of DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL where he was a four time varsity starter on the wrestling team and took second in the state at 103 pounds at the 2004 Iowa Class 3A state wrestling tournament. (1) In 2007 he was awarded the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association's inaugural Medal of Courage. (2) He received his undergraduate education at Luther College where he majored in history. He attended the University of Iowa where he received his Master's in Social Studies Education. In 2017 he was working at STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL in the special education department. (3)
Although born without a right leg and having an underdeveloped left leg, Klavitter qualified to compete in the ParaPowerlifting World Championships in Mexico City, in October, 2017. (4) Klavitter competed in the 65-kilogram weight class and had to bench press--the only lift in competitive para-powerlifting--at least 297 pounds to qualify. To receive funding from the U. S. team, he had to press 365 pounds. (5) His ultimate goal is the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in 2020. (6)
Every time I do a meet, I try to do a personal best,
so right now that's 347...347 pounds.
He has been called an inspiration.
We wrestled in high school together when he took second
at state at Senior," said Kenneth Cane. "A lot of people
took notice while he came up through the ranks. It doesn't
surprise me that he followed through to weight lifting.
He's a very determined individual and and if he sets his
mind of something he's gonna achieve it. (7)
As for teaching... "I love my job. It's something new everyday...I like the challenge."
---
Source:
1. O'Neill, Tim. "Klavitter Living Out Dream of Making Team USA," Telegraph Herald, September 3, 2017, p. 1B
2. Ibid.
3. Descorbeth, Shirley. "Bench Pressing for the Gold, Dubuque Man Hopes to Compete in Paralympic Games 2020," KWWL.com Online: http://www.kwwl.com/story/36081800/2017/8/7/bench-pressing-for-the-gold-dubuque-man-hopes-to-compete-in-paralympic-games-2020
4. Ibid.
5. O'Neill
6. Descorbeth
7. Ibid.
