Guyana’s leading strongman, Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Griffith powered his way to silver and bronze medals and raised the bar on a number of national records when he competed at the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships held at Intercontinental Arena Conference Centre, Intercontinental Hotel, St. George’s, Bay, St Julians, Malta, June 11-18.
Contesting the 93kg category, which attracted the most athletes of all the categories, 42 in total, Petterson-Griffith displayed his ability amongst the best and in some instances, more accomplished athletes in the world.
Lifting in Flight B of the three flights, the Guyanese was the standout lifter, powering his way to the top of the grip in both the Squat and Deadlifts, but was outdone in the Benchpress, an area he has acknowledged he has to improve.
He equalled his squat record of 320.0kg (705.48lb) set on August 28, 2022 at St. Stanislaus College with his second attempt and challenged for the world record of 331.0kg when he attempted 334.0, but was not successful, on his third and final lift.
His performance was, however, good for the bronze, with two of the lifters in Flight A taking the gold (Amar Kanane of Algeria – 325.0kg) and silver (Gustav Hedlund of Sweden – 320kg).
Carlos’ achievement in the Benchpress of 172.5kg has equalled the National Benchpress record, which is held by Wazim Mohamed 172.5 (380.30lb) achieved on October 24, 2021 at the Life Gym Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. This performance surpassed Petterson-Griffith’s previous best was 165.0kg.
He capped off a successful sojourn with a classical display in the Deadlift as he upped the ante by 10kg to 355.0kg (782.64lb) from 345.0 (760.60lb), which was set on April 25, 2018 at St. Stanislaus College.
Again, this performance outshone his rivals in Flight B and it took a lifter from Flight A to edge him to the silver. Additionally, Petterson-Griffith set a new Total National Record with his 847.0kg (1867.31lb), erasing his own previous record of 825.0kg (1818.81lb) achieved on August 28, 2022, at Saint Stanislaus College.
His performance overall saw him ending as the sixth-best athlete in this category in the world, the best-ever by a Guyanese.
The President and Executive Committee of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation have already extended congratulations to Carlos Petterson-Griffith on his outstanding performance at this year’s edition of the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships.
“We knew all along that you have what it takes to stand up with the best in the world and you have vindicated that belief. We know that this is just a step up to another level and we will continue to give you the necessary support needed, to climb the world ladder, ever higher.” President Franklin Wilson stated.
Gratitude is again extended to the following for making Carlos Petterson-Griffith’s trip a reality- Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, MVP Sports, Fitness Express, Superior Concrete, Space Gym and other private supporters.
