The Bermuda Powerlifting Association is aiming to grow the sport locally and develop athletes capable of excelling internationally.
Brittany Denbrook, the BPA president, said the organisation was formed in 2024 to establish powerlifting in Bermuda alongside the island’s other niche sports.
“Bermuda has a lot of niche sports. We thought, ‘Why not have one more!” Denbrook told Bernews.
The BPA hopes to increase awareness and participation in powerlifting while creating a supportive and inclusive environment for athletes.
Its plans include expanding local competitions and introducing youth and beginner programmes.
The association is also seeking funding to acquire competition-standard equipment, host events and support athlete development.
Presently, the BPA has 32 members, seven coaches, six referees and six spotters/loaders.
In 2025, the association hosted three events that attracted a total of 42 lifters.
This year’s BPA Nationals at Beast Gym in Hamilton in May crowned Bermuda’s national champions and national record holders and selected athletes to represent the island internationally for the first time at the North American Powerlifting Federation Championships in St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, in August.
The association also brought in an International Powerlifting Federation Category 1 referee and held coaches’ training, with participants completing their practical training.
“That’s the next goal for us – to get our referees and coaches qualified up a level,” said Denbrook, who won the women’s competition at the National Championships.
A three-athlete Team Bermuda, accompanied by two coaches, competed at the 23rd IPF/NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships.
San’j Dill, Krysten Burrows and Justin Anderson represented Bermuda, with Dill winning bronze in the squat and finishing fourth in the deadlift.
“It was surreal – it’s something we’ve been working on since 2023-2024,” Denbrook said.
“It was amazing to walk in there and see Bermuda’s flag.
“I carried our banner at the opening ceremony. I’d always dreamt of that.
“I was great to represent Bermuda in a sport I’d put so much work into.
“The guys did great! They left it all out there.”
The association’s executive includes David Henry as vice-president, Liza Kolesnik-Maypa as treasurer and Ashton Easton as secretary.
