Be disciplined, be focused, and always believe in yourself are some of the encouraging words that Guyana’s Triple CAC Swimming Gold medalist and record holder, Raekwon Noel shared with the Powerlifting team that will fly the Golden Arrowhead at the 2026 FESUPO (South American Championships) set for Santiago, Chile, from September 20-27.
Noel, who is home to spend time with his family following his exploits in the Dominican Republic at the CAC Games, has undertaken to share his knowledge with not only his fellow swimmers, but readily acquiesced to an invitation from the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) to interface with the team selected for the South American Championships.
With Noel’s focus being ultimately on LA 2028, underscored the importance of athletes being committed and dedicated to training consistently, and once this is done, the job on competition day will be much easier.
He also noted that he has been following the sport of powerlifting over the past few years and is aware of some of the leading athletes both male and female who have been making Guyana proud.
GAPLF President, Franklin Wilson complimented Noel on his achievements for Guyana to date and wished him every success going forward as he continues to work towards the big goal of the Olympics on 2028.
“Just like you have been following the progress of our athletes, I want to assure you that we in the powerlifting fraternity would be splashing with you all the way to LA 2028, we know you’ll make us proud.”
Meanwhile, the executive of the Federation met with the 23 athletes selected to represent this nation at the 2026 FESUPO (South American Championships) which will see the Guyanese competing against the host nation Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Suriname, Columbia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Bolivia.
Four females are amongst the selected athletes who will compete in the Classic and Equipped segments of the competition in Open, Junior, Masters 1, 11, and 111 categories.
Following is the full list of athletes selected and the various categories.
- Men’s Equipped Open – Gumendra Shewdas (59kg), Suraj Shewdas (66kg), Navindra Tamasar (66kg), Franklyn Brisport-Luke (66kg Masters 11)
- Classic Open – Romario Gonsalves (74kg), Demetri Chan (83kg), Meshach Alexander (83kg Junior), Omar Satar (83kg Junior), Joshua John (93kg), Olsen Batson (93kg Junior), Omali Vancooten (93kg), Sereste King (105kg)
- Females Classic Open – Janice Savory (57kg), Keisha Abrigo (76kg), Kezia Joseph (76kg)
- Masters 11 – Nadina Taharally (76kg)
- Masters 1 – Duarte Hetsberger (83kg), Matthew Maycock (83kg), Wazim Mohamed (93kg), Tremel King (93kg), Bjorn Williams (105kg)
- Masters 11 – Franklin Brisport-Luke (66kg), Roger Rogers (120kg)
- Masters 111 – Joseph Stoll (93kg)
- Referees – Edwin Gordon Spencer, Andrew Austin, Franklin Brisport-Luke, and Roger Rogers
- Team Coach – Kerma Singh
- Team Manager – Franklin Wilson
