Leading Guyana to its first gold medal of the South American Powerlifting Championships hosted by the South American Powerlifting Federation (Fesupo) in Santiago, Chile, was veteran lifter, Franklyn Brisport-Luke.
Lifting late into Sunday night, Brisport-Luke, who was the lone competitor in the 66kg Master’s 11 equipped competition, achieved a best squat of 125kg, benchpressed 72.5kg and had a best deadlift of 140kg for a total of 337.5kg.
On debut and claiming the silver medal in the 66kg Open equipped class against Ecuadorian Soria Fernando, was Navindra Tamasar who recorded a best squat of 200kg after opening with 182.5kg.
His second attempt at 200kg failed, but he rebounded in style as his third attempt, which was the same 200kg, turned out to be successful with the backing of his vociferous teammates in the stands.
Tamasar’s best benchpress was 117.5kg and he had a top deadlift of 192.5kg for a total of 510kg, capping a fine debut.
Guyana’s third athlete on the opening day and first on the platform was the Brazil-based Janice Savory who, while not medaling, turned in a creditable performance in the female 57kg Open classic division.
Savory recorded a best squat of 120kg, benchpressed 55kg and crowned her debut Fesupo championship with a best deadlift of 135kg for a total of 310kg.
Both Savory and Tamasar were nervous initially, but their teammates ensured they sent out positive vibes and encouragement to urge them on, both expressing gratitude at the end.
Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) President, Franklin Wilson congratulated both Tamasar and Savory on their first competition for Guyana assuring that the Federation is proud of them as well as the other eight first timers on the team.
“Your presence at these championships and the other debutants speaks to the fact that the sport is growing encouragingly. We have to focus on developmental programmes and that’s why we have invested in the training of two new coaches who both passed the level two IPF course, and we say, congratulations.”
Guyana will be aiming to increase the medal haul on Monday, September 21, day two of the competition.
(Modified Press Release from Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation)
