Tyrell, Hunter, Sanmoogan smash records at Senior National Powerlifting Championships

Teen Machine! Romeo Hunter, 16, breaking one of six national records yesterday.  (Emmerson Campbell photo) 
Teen Machine! Romeo Hunter, 16, breaking one of six national records yesterday.  (Emmerson Campbell photo) 

Dominic Tyrell, Romeo Hunter and Sarah Sanmoogan were among the standout lifters when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) staged its flagship, Senior National Championships yesterday at St Stanislaus College. 

Several otherworldly and record breaking feats were performed on the platform during the Fitness Express sponsored event but the trio provided most of the highlights. 

Tyrell, lifting in the 74kg class, provided a reminder of his strength prowess.

Dominant! Dominic Tyrell, lifting in the 74kg class, provided a reminder of his strength prowess.Performing in his trademark ‘Zen’ like state of mind, the calm and confident 22 year-old lifted a mammoth 310kg (682lbs), more than four times his bodyweight yesterday. (Emmerson Campbell photo)

Performing in his trademark ‘Zen’ like state of mind, the calm and confident 22 year-old lifted a mammoth 310kg (682 lbs), more than four times his bodyweight. The most for any lifter of the day and an unofficial sub junior world record. It was without a doubt the most impressive feat of the day which saw several records tumbling.

 Tyrell who was scheduled to represent Guyana at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships earlier this month in New Zealand but could not due to visa issues, showed why he is listed amongst the world best. 

 Earlier in the day, he recorded a best bench of 140.5kg (309.1 lbs) and a best squat of 235kg (517 lbs) for an eye popping total of 685.5kg (1508 lbs). All records for his 74kg junior class. His IPF Points, 100.63 was the best amongst all lifters on the platform.  

2022 was the coming out party for Tyrell and if he continues his meteoric trajectory, 2023 could be a breakout year for the strong man on the international powerlifting stage. 

Despite injuring his groin, 16 year-old Romeo Hunter also recorded several record breaking lifts. Unity Gym’s ‘Teen Machine’ lifting in the 83kg class, squatted 252.5kg (555.5 lbs), benched 167.5kg (368.5 lbs) and had a best deadlift of 220kg (484 lbs) for a total of 640kg (1408 lbs).

The muscular fifth form, Apex Academy student tallied 92.122 IPF points, breaking a total of six national records.

Sanmoogan was not to be outdone by her male counterparts and performed the best amongst the females. 

The 20 year-old from Saiyan Fitness Club, had a total of  79.79 IPF Points from squatting 142.5kg, (313.5 lbs) benching 72.5kg (159.5 lbs) and dead lifting 162.5kg (357.5 lbs).  Her total 377.5kg (830.5 lbs) and lifts were all national records. Her progression has also been meteoric.  

En route to lifting the Intermediate Best Lifter trophy in May, Sanmoogan squatted122.5kg, benched 62.5kg and dead lifted 155kg.  Her total 340kg and lifts were all national records at that time. She emphatically smashed them all yesterday.

For her heroics yesterday, the 69kg (151-lb) lifter stood at the top of the podium every time her name was announced during the awards presentation. 

The elite lifters used the platform yesterday to secure qualifying Totals to be shortlisted for the national team for upcoming international duties in 2023. The next GAPLF event, the Novices and Juniors Championship, is tentatively set for February at the same venue.  (Emmerson Campbell)