Senior Auburndale weightlifter Jayden Mondesir carried a bunch of emotions in the 2026 FHSAA Weightlifting State Championships back in May.
On the outside, folks recognized a confident competitor. But internally, Mondesir (238 pounds) felt like he was still chasing goals he hadn’t reached yet. After all, Auburndale’s senior lifter has always been hard on himself because he knows what he’s capable of ― and he wanted even more. While Mondesir fell short on one lift and finished third (one of the top placers in the county), that moment taught him that his success wasn’t measured by the place he finished, but instead by how far he’s come and who he’s become along the way.“The moment that stands out most wasn’t an actual lift; it was what happened around it. Weightlifting is often called an individual sport unless you win a team title, but in that moment, it felt like a family,” Mondesir said.
From a state tournament familial perspective, it all started ahead of state. Auburndale had a team huddle, and Mondesir asked everyone for two things: to give 100% on every repetition they took on the platform and to support one another with every chance they got. As Mondesir prepared for his final lift, he eagerly looked behind himself and saw his entire team standing there, supporting the lifter despite missing the lift because of a technical error.
There was a lot going on for Mondesir, as he had just defeated a mental block. Throughout the season, the Bloodhounds had their differences, challenges and setbacks, but at that moment none of that mattered. It was more so about everyone coming together, reminding him that the relationships and memories they built were worth more than any medal.
Still, Mondesir racked up two top-five finishes in Olympic (third place at 580-pound total) and traditional (fourth place at 675-pound total), respectively. This was a top-two finish in states when it comes to Polk County lifters and, combine this with the fact that Mondesir won every other tournament handedly, and you have The Ledger’s 2026 Weightlifter of the Year.“Honestly, it’s humbling. I know there are a lot of talented athletes out there, and I never walked into a room believing I was the strongest person in it. To be recognized for the work I put in when nobody was watching the early mornings, the difficult days, and the sacrifices means a lot to me. It’s a reminder that hard work eventually speaks for itself, even when you don’t realize people are paying attention,” Mondesir said.Before the accolades, Mondesir started weightlifting his junior year at Auburndale High School thanks to head football coach, Antonio Thomas, who encouraged some football players to give lifting a try.
It was all about football for Mondesir, who was a productive defensive tackle for the Bloodhounds. But once he got rolling with lifting, the sport became a special passion. Before weightlifting, he said he thought effort and showing up alone were enough.
He quickly learned that wasn’t the case.
“This sport taught me that discipline matters more than motivation because motivation comes and goes,” Mondesir said. “It gave me structure during difficult times, taught me accountability, and showed me what leadership is like, as it forced me to become the type of person my teammates could depend on, even on days when I was struggling myself.”At the center of all this weightlifting wisdom is Auburndale head wrestling coach Gilbert Jones, who was the person who pushed Mondesir to become a better lifter and a better person.
When Mondesir first joined the team, he thought Jones was crazy and that it wasn’t going to work out. To Mondesir, Jones’ expectations were high, and he challenged Auburndale as a team every day.
“Looking back, I realize he just saw potential in me that I didn’t always see in myself,” Mondesir said.
But it was the combination of Jones and Thomas who helped Mondesir develop into the all-around athlete he is today.
“(Coach Thomas) has been a mentor throughout my high school journey. He taught me that life is bigger than sports, that leadership is about serving others, and that your impact on people will always matter more than any trophy,” Mondesir said.That foundation streamlined Mondesir’s success, consistently finishing second or third all the while being frustrated because he absolutely detested losing and was a competitor. But every loss gave this competitor a reason to work harder, accepting that growth happens when one is willing to stay committed, even when the results aren’t immediate.
And his senior year was one to remember, dominating his weight class in both categories throughout the regular season and postseason, becoming the best lifter in the county.
“Mondesir comfortably won every tournament all season, excluding the state championship. Overall, he is a better lifter and elevated everyone around him,” Jones said.Now it’s time for Florida International University where he plans to major in behavioral neuroscience with the goal of becoming a trauma surgeon.
“As for weightlifting, I’m not exactly sure what the future holds, but I’m open to every opportunity. One thing this sport taught me is that some of the best things in life happen when you’re willing to take a chance. No matter where I go, I’ll carry the lessons, relationships, and memories from this journey with me forever,” he said.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Jayden Mondesir earns The Ledger’s 2026 Weightlifter of the Year honor
Reporting by Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
