Colin ‘Mr Clean’ Chesney, John ‘Big John’ Edwards and Gumendra Shewdas kept the Golden Arrowhead aloft when the curtains came down on the Caribbean and Pan American Powerlifting Championships in Orlando, Florida, USA yesterday.
Chesney (802.5kg total) of Linden finally vindicated the belief shown in him by the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) by powering his way to gold ahead of compatriot Edwards (790kgs).
Not to be outdone, Edwards proved himself undisputed Pan American Masters One champion in a face off against arch rival Claudemiro Nascimento of Brazil, who bombed out under pressure. Edwards proved his win at the South American Championships last year was no fluke.
Rising star, Gumendra Shewdas (wilks 485.26) lifted his way to the Sub Junior Pan American gold from C Dougall of Canada (371 wilks), A Gauldin of the USA (355 wilks) and J Lopez of Costa Rica (349 wilks).
Karel Mars in the 105 kg class bombed out attempting 325kg on his first lift, rather than establishing his safety mark first. Mars attempted what was his best lift on the first try.
Based on results tallied to date, Guyana is the unofficial Caribbean team champion beating Puerto Rico into second and Trinidad into third.
For the Pan American segment, however, Guyana is locked in a three-way fight for second place with USA, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
The lifters are scheduled to return home tonight at 21:35 hrs. President of the GAPF Peter Green hopes that members of the National Sports Commission (NSC) will be there to welcome them as they have carried the national flag with distinction.
