Political Figures and Athletes Continue to Roast Zohran Mamdani’s Bench-Press Blunder

New York’s mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani has remained at the center of ridicule following his failed attempt to bench press 135 pounds at Brooklyn’s annual Men’s Day event on August 23. On Monday, several high-profile figures seized the opportunity to mock his performance, turning the incident into a running political and social media saga.

In a video posted on the social-media platform X, current Mayor Eric Adams contrasted his own strength with Mamdani’s struggle. Adams, who is running as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary, shared footage of himself effortlessly pressing the same weight under minimal spotter assistance, quipping, “64 vs. 33. A lifetime of dedication versus a silver spoon. The outcomes are clear. The responsibilities of the position are too great for ‘Mamscrawny.’ The only thing he can lift is your taxes.”

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, also campaigning independently after his primary defeat, joined in the mockery. Cuomo posted on X, “It’s easy to talk, but tough to bear the load. This individual can’t even lift his own body weight, much less handle the demands of leading the most significant city in the world.”

On Monday afternoon, outspoken swimmer Riley Gaines-known for her vocal stance on transgender participation in women’s sports-posted a video of herself bench-pressing 165 pounds at 130 pounds body weight. In her caption, Gaines urged Mamdani to “take note” of her unassisted reps, underscoring the contrast with his two assisted lifts.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked broader questions about performative displays of fitness in politics. Critics argue that public service should hinge on policy expertise rather than gym prowess, while supporters of Mamdani dismiss the uproar as a distraction from substantive campaign issues.

As Mamdani maintains a significant lead in fundraising and polling, Wednesday’s developments only underscore the evolving narrative around his candidacy-and whether athletic competence will sway New York City voters at the ballot box this November.