Record-breaking day marks competitive return of Powerlifting

For over a year, competitive powerlifting in Guyana was at a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, the action resumed in a safe manner and a number of records were broken.

The event was the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation’s National Novice/Junior Championship and Senior Qualifiers at the St. Stanislaus College, held under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

The incident-free event showcased depth in the pedigree of the athletes, while the seasoned pros produced the expected goods.

A total of 12 records were broken: four each by Angel Chappelle and Faraud Mohamed, three by Carlos Petterson-Griffith and one by Romeo Hunter.

The 14-year-old Chappelle was also the top junior female, while Keisha Abrigo was the best Novices.

Chappelle, in both the sub-junior and Open 52kg, managed a 65kg squat, 30kg bench press and a 75kg deadlift. Her total was 170 kg.

Other winners in the female’s leg of the competition included Salma Hack (57kg) and Homewattie Hirawan (76kg).

In the Men’s segment, another 14-year-old in Romeo Hunter (66 kg) emerged the best lifter (classic) in the novice and junior categories. Faroud Mohamed (74 kg) emerged the best lifter (equipped) in the novice and junior categories.

Meanwhile, Petterson-Griffith rewrote the local national records for the squat, deadlift and total events in his 93kg weight class in the Men’s Open raw division as he sought to qualify for the 18th Annual North American Regional Powerlifting Championships (NAPF) set for Orlando, Florida, USA, from August 17-21.

“Today was a marvellous day, now my new aim is to focus on NAPF. My total is already set there so all I have to do is keep improving and just focus on worlds [where I am] currently looking at number three,” Petterson-Griffith expressed.

The other athletes who were seeking to make the qualifying standard were Nadina Taharally, Paul Adams, Wazim Mohamed and Roger Rogers.

The Federation’s Public Relations Officer, Runita White, said they were happy for a return to competitive action, and they are now looking to host an Intermediate and Masters Championship in June.