Local powerlifter Rawndel ‘Bear’ Clementson passes on

Not fully recovered from the loss of Nigel Phillips just under one month ago, the local powerlifting fraternity lost another competitor and national record-holder, Rawndel “What Jesus Wud Say” Clementson.

The 44-year-old RipHit Strength and Conditioning System Gym founding member passed away on Tuesday morning at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre after he was taken there following complaints of not feeling well during the wee hours of the morning.

He worked up to Monday, plying his trade as a taxi driver.

President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Franklin Wilson, on behalf of his executive and the powerlifting fraternity, extended sincere condolences to his wife, Oslyn Clementson, and two children, Oslyn and Annastacia.

“This is truly a shocker not only to Clementson’s immediate family but to all and sundry. It’s a stark reminder of the fragile nature of life. I’ve known Rawndel who was also known as ‘Bear’ for some time now and I’m aware of his exploits on the competition platform. He, like Phillips, possessed the quality to represent Guyana, but never had the opportunity. It’s a tough time for his family, but as a fraternity, we send out our love and strength to them in this time of need and ask Almighty God to surround and protect them at this time of need. May his soul rest in peace.”

Clementson’s long-time Coach and training buddy, Martin Webster reminisced that in 2012, he was asked by Clementson to join him at Flex gym for some training due to the fact that he was diagnosed as hypertensive.

“At this time I never knew he was a former Kingsrow Barbell Club lifter in the 198lb category, after one year of training he told me that then President of GAPLF, Peter Green met him on the road and told him he should return to powerlifting. It was that moment I switched from being a strength coach to a powerlifting coach.”

Webster also recounted that when Clementson competed at the Senior National Championship in 2013, the Federation did not have classic lifting at the time.

“But that didn’t sway Dwayne (call name) from giving it his all without a belt, without a squat suit, and without knee wraps, as he squatted 606lbs on his second attempt. His battle cry before every lift was, “What Jesus Wud Say”.

“His other amazing feat was to actually get me to step on the platform where I competed many times alongside him, and the nickname “Bear” was given to him by Andrea Smith because of his lovable cuddlable size and also because one time he amazed everyone at Buddy’s Gym by doing CrossFit, “The Bear” complex.”

The late Rawndel Clementson, during his career, established the following records, which still stand.

Current National Records:

120+ Men’s Open Classic: Squat 260.0kg, Bench 152.5kg, Deadlift 280.0kg, Total 692.5kg. Equipped: Squat 272.5 (done without suit, belt or knee wraps).