By Emmerson Campbell
Gold medalist at the recently completed South American Powerlifting Championships in Cali, Colombia, John ‘Big John’ Edwards said his experience there is one that will forever be etched in his memory. Edwards also received his accreditation as a qualified International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Level Two referee at the championships.
During an interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday, Edwards, who returned to Guyana on Monday night along with silver medalist, Vijai Rahim, noted that he was privileged to be a gold medalist at championships with a high level of professionalism and competitors.
“Most lifters in the top 10 of the world come from South America so the championships was of a world class level and the mass volume of the championships was an eye opener of how it is done. I gained a lot of experience, it is one I will never forget,” said Edwards.
Despite lifting the gold medal ‘Big John’ disclosed that his main aim was to be a qualified referee. Said Edwards: “My main focus was to qualify as a referee so all my energy leading up to my actual lifting was focused on refereeing. I had to study and it was a little hectic because our refereeing classes finished most times after midnight.” The studies paid off and as a result he earned his refereeing license and was also invited to referee at the World Powerlifting Championships in Puerto Rico in November.
“In the exam I passed the theory with 94% and I got 97 in the practical so I am now a qualified Level Two referee,” said Edwards.
He continued: “I could officiate at all international and world championship meets, in fact I was invited to referee at the World Championships in November in Puerto Rico.”
In the Master’s One 120+kg category Edwards bench pressed 440 pounds (200kg) squatted 715 pounds (325kg) and deadlifted 605 pounds (275kg) for a total of 1760 pounds (800kg) which was 70 kg more than Argentina’s Horacio who won the silver medal.
Edwards, who lifted a bronze medal at the World Masters Championships in Canada last year, said his next meet will be in Kilen, Texas in October at this year’s World Masters Championships where he will try to add that elusive gold. Over his career Edwards has won gold at the Caribbean Championships (four times), the Pan American Championships, the North American Regional Championships and (as of Sunday last) the South American Championships.
Despite lifting a silver medal, Rahim, the 59kg junior lifter totalled 547.5kg which surpassed his previous best of 507.5kg at the Caribbean Championships, but he was edged out by Ecuador’s L. Nieto, who finished with 552.5kg. During his performance, however, Rahim set a new South American record in the squat of 215kg.
Both Edwards and Rahim thanked their supporters for making their trip possible.
Brief congratulatory remarks were also made towards the duo by President of the Guyana Powerlifting Federation (GAPF), Peter Green.
