Guyana closed off its campaign at the 2026 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Masters Championships in Reno, Nevada, USA on Thursday in fine style with 74 year-old Frank Tucker and 83-year-old Naranjan collectively capturing six medals, taking the nations overall tally to 10 medals.
Tucker (93kg M4), who also competed in the classic segment of the championships on October 15 and won three silver and one bronze, completed a dream debut at this level by taking four more silver medals.
He achieved a best squat of 115.0kg, similar to his classic achievement, as was his 80.0kg in the benchpress.
His best deadlift was 145.0kg, 12.5kg less than his 157.5kg in the classic, but it was still good enough to land him the silver medal again, as was his total 340.0kg. William Clayton of the USA won the gold medals in each lift and total.
Continuing to fly the Golden Arrowhead with pride was Naranjan Singh (83kg M4), two days after celebrating his 83rd birth anniversary.
The USA based Singh, despite not being able to get any of his opening three squat attempts after the referees felt that he did not go deep enough, still rebounded win style to capture bronze medals in the benchpress and deadlift. His best benchpress was 70.0kg and deadlift, 110.0kg.
Enduring a tough challenge was Gordon Spencer in the 93kg M3 category, ending fifth of five athletes. His best squat was 150.0kg, benchpress 85.0kg, deadlift 157.5kg for a total of 392.5. Roger Rogers was the other athlete to participate at this year’s worlds as Guyana ended overall with a total of 10 medals (seven silver and three bronze).
Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) President Franklin Wilson congratulated Tucker, Singh and the team, including Coach Kerma Singh, on their achievements, noting that age is indeed just a number.
“We’d like to recognise your sterling achievements for yourself and Guyana on a stage that does not get bigger than this. Your discipline, commitment and desire will certainly inspire the next generation of lifters, and we trust that they will learn from what you continue to do.”
Attention will now turn to the Federation’s final local competition and its marquee championships- senior nationals- set for November 29 at a venue to be confirmed.
