Despite the chilly conditions in Santiago, Chile, three of Guyana’s four female lifters at the 2026 South American Powerlifting Championships, organised by the South American Powerlifting Federation (Fesupo) showcased their strength in style, bringing the heat to the competition.
Leading the trio was seasoned campaigner Nadina Taharally, who captured gold in the 76kg Masters 11 category, with a best squat of 140kg, bench press of 75kg and a deadlift of 165kg for a total of 380kg. Taharally was flawless in all her lifts as she was nine for nine.
There was a head-to-head battle in the 76 Open Class between Keisha Abrigo and debutant Kezia Joseph. Despite the duo ending fifth and sixth overall respectively in the seven-way battle, Guyana was still able to make its mark.
Abrigo powered her way to a new national squat record of 172.5kg; her total of 447.5kg is also a new national record. She achieved a 77.5kg bench press, while her deadlift of 197.5kg was good enough to claim the Fesupo bronze medal.
Joseph ended with a best squat of 170kg, bench press of 65kg and a best deadlift of 165kg for a total of 400kg on her way to silver.
After two days of competition and six of the 17 athletes competing, Guyana has copped a total of five medals- two gold, two silver and one bronze.
