Taharally, Rogers rake in medals at IPF World Masters and Commonwealth Championships

Guyana’s powerlifters have once again kept the Golden Arrowhead aloft with another classical performance at the International Powerlifting Federation’s (IPF) Masters and Commonwealth Powerlifting Federation Championships being held simultaneously in Sun City, South Africa.

Following up on Demetri Chan’s Bench Press gold medal on Friday last, Nadina Taharally increased Guyana’s medal tally handsomely when she lifted her way to two gold medals, one silver and four bronze medals against the best in the world in the Masters 11, 76kg weight class and in cold conditions, while Roger Rogers captured four silver medals and two bronze.

Achieving a Squat of 150kg (330lbs), Bench Press of 77.5kg (170lbs) and Deadlift of 182.5kg (402lbs) for a total of 410.5kg, Taharally achieved bronze medals at World’s in the Squat, Deadlift and Overall, whilst her numbers were solid for Commonwealth Squat and Overall gold, Silver in the Deadlift and another Bronze in the Bench Press.

Taking the Overall ahead of Taharally at World’s was the USA’s Joah Iannotta, with Heather Tagg of Great Britain, claiming silver.

At Commonwealth, Canada’s Amelie Maya and New Zealand’s Bobby-Jo Williamson had to settle for the overall silver and bronze, respectively.

With sessions running very late into the night owing to a late start, Rogers was still able to add and also better his showing at World’s in 2023, like Taharally.

He achieved a best Squat of 260.0kg, Bench Press of 162.5kg, Deadlift 240.0kg for a total of 662.5kg.

Those numbers were good enough for Rogers to land a silver in Squat and a total bronze at the World Masters, whilst he hauled in silver medals in the Squat, Bench Press, and total with another bronze in the Deadlift.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., on behalf of His Excellency, the Government and people of Guyana, extended congratulations to both Taharally and Rogers for their exceptional performances in Sun City, South Africa.

Minister Ramson said he was really impressed with the great improvement of both lifters when compared to their performances at the 2023 World’s, which took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Powerlifting Federation President, Franklin Wilson also extended congratulations to the duo for another excellent year on the world stage, applauding them for their consistency and being shining examples for other lifters to emulate.

Wilson expressed the Federation’s gratitude to the Ministry of Sport, National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association for their support in supporting the four athletes to compete in South Africa.

Demetri Chan would be in action today as he seeks to add to his Bench Press gold medal while the other lifter, Bjorn Williams will be competing on Wednesday.

Additionally, Taharally is expressing thanks to the following entities for their support towards her being able to compete: Ministry of Natural Resources, Central Housing and Planning Authority, Cirkel Distributors, Machine Tech Inc., Stacy, Michael, Telicia, Alisha, Sherri Williams, Shamie and the Gym Crew.

Rogers would like to recognise the support of the Ministers and Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Local Government and Regional Development; Tourism, Industry and Commerce; Human Service and Social Security; E Master Corporation and the Commissioner of the National Parks Commission.