Guyana’s powerlifters are enjoying a buoyant campaign at the 2026 South American Powerlifting Championships in Santiago, Chile, following a sensational eight-medal Friday that propelled the nation’s overall tally to 14 ahead of the penultimate day of competition.
Duarte Hetsberger led the Friday charge in the 83kg Masters 1 division, mounting a thrilling deadlift comeback to snatch overall silver with a 575kg total. Hetsberger also collected individual silver in the bench press alongside bronzes in both the squat and deadlift.
In the same class, debutant Matthew Maycock delivered a composed performance to post a 555kg total, while Demetri Chan claimed bench press silver in the 83kg Open category before placing fifth overall.
Junior lifter Olsen Batson provided further drama in the 93kg class, showing remarkable composure to recover from an initial slip on the squat and power through 275kg on his second attempt for bronze.
The collective effort leaves Guyana with three gold, seven silver, and four bronze medals with two days remaining.
Attention now shifts to Saturday’s heavyweights as the final five members of Guyana’s 17-strong squad prepare to take the platform. With 12 athletes—including four women—having already completed their campaigns, four of the final five lifters will be making their international debut in the Golden Arrowhead.
Omali Vancooten and Joshua John are set to launch their debut campaigns in the 93kg Open category, while Sereste King competes in the 105kg Open division against a field that includes former Guyanese lifter Anis Ade-Thomas, now representing Suriname.
Meanwhile, an intriguing intra-squad rivalry awaits in the 105kg Masters 1 contest, where international debutant Tremel King goes head-to-head with countryman Bjorn Williams in a duel for podium honours. (Modified Press Release)
