Created: Aug 12, 2026 03:52 AM (Updated: Aug 12, 2026 04:22 AM)
San’j Dill, left, is all smiles after getting his squat bronze medal at the North American Regional Powerlifting Championships (Photograph supplied)
Bermudian powerlifters made a mark in their maiden appearance at the North American Powerlifting Championships in Newfoundland and Labrador, where San’j Dill won bronze in the squat.
Dill, Kyrsten Burrows and Justus Anderson represented Bermuda at the three-day event in Canada.
The medal-winner, who also finished fourth in the deadlift, was delighted to achieve a top-three spot.
“It’s a surreal feeling for me to compete in my first international competition for Bermuda and actually placing on the podium,” Dill told The Royal Gazette.
“I was very impressed with my performance. Now that I’ve experienced this competition and seen the areas that I need to work on, I know it will take some time for me to get better, grow my numbers and push to do the North American Championships next year.
“I will be back and hopefully, I will be a lot better and improved so that I can possibly place a little bit higher next year.”
Justus Anderson, left, Brittany Denbrook (head coach), San’j Dill, Makayla Latham (assistant coach) and Kyrsten Burrows at the North American Powerlifting Championships in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (Photograph supplied)
Dill experienced both sides of competing internationally: getting intimidated by the opposition and also being backed by strangers.
“It was very intense in the back,” the 28-year-old said.
“I was sharing one of the racks with one of the competitors in my class who came third in the bench and deadlift. He actually came up to me and he was like, ‘I see that you’re my competition’.
“But everybody was just so encouraging. Even though I was competing against him, everybody was giving me their best wishes and hoping that I put all my best on the stage.
“I think that’s what really draws my attention to powerlifting. Everybody’s just encouraging and respectful when it comes to competing.”
Burrows was so motivated by Dill getting a medal that he is already looking forward to next year’s competition.
“San’j bought our first medal home so we know Bermudians can reach the highest levels,” he said.
“I’m already setting up to train for next year. San’j and many other lifters on island have been a huge part of raising my game.
San’j Dill applauds after receiving his squat bronze medal at the North American Powerlifting Championships (Photograph supplied)
“It’s crazy the amount of talent we actually have in Bermuda despite our limited access to resources.”
Burrows used the competition to make friendships with fellow lifters from other islands.
“It was great getting to compete internationally with my team,” he said.
“Thanks to the opportunity I made several connections with lifters from all over North America and got a personal best in the deadlift [507 lbs].
“I was happy to represent Bermuda at an international level thanks to the Bermuda Powerlifting Association.
“It was truly inspiring. Powerlifting is one of the few sports where no matter what level of skill or experience, everyone is cheering for you.
“The more elite the athletes were, the more supportive and encouraging they were. It was also invaluable to meet the Jamaican Powerlifting Association members, another emerging island organisation.
“As fellow islanders it brought a tear to my eyes seeing them compete and also hearing their supportive air horns.
Anderson, who was the first of the three Bermudians to get on stage, expressed his appreciation for the exposure.
“It was an unforgettable experience,” he said. “Being exposed to this level of competition has inspired me to push myself and reach that same level.
“In Bermuda, we can sometimes get stuck in our own bubble and that can create limitations for us. Being surrounded by so many gifted athletes really opened my eyes and pushed me to break out of that bubble and pursue greater heights.
“Overall, it was an amazing experience and I learnt a lot about myself along the way. Being the first Bermudian to step on to the international stage was a heavy responsibility, not going to lie.
“But I’m extremely proud of myself and our team for how we carried ourselves and represented Bermuda to the best of our ability. I’m definitely looking forward to next year and coming back even stronger.”
Brittany Denbrook, the Bermuda coach, was pleased with the level of commitment shown by the three athletes.
“They made us very proud for their first showing,” Denbrook said.
“That was our very first international competition. For them to show up, give their best on the day and represent the island the way they did was heart-warming.”
