Former deadlift World record holder in the 74kgs Master’s Two category, Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby departed Guyana yesterday for Killen, Texas on a quest to secure Guyana’s first powerlifting World title.
Following Guyana’s performances at this year’s London Olympic Games, Stoby told this newspaper that he sees the need to make the nation proud again on the World stage.
Stoby set a deadlift World record of 265.5kgs earlier this year only for that record to be broken by a Russian who deadlifted (267.5kgs).
This has fuelled Stoby or the ‘Little Master’ a desire to reclaim his World record when he competes at the Masters Powerlifting Championships which commences on October 2.
Stoby has had an exceptional year thus far, winning multiple gold medals and, according to members of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF),Stoby, the top-seeded lifter in his category, is peaking at the right time.
The 53-year-old is also bent on lifting a gold medal at the championships after missing last year’s event because of visa issues. The ‘Little Master’ is brimming with confidence because last year’s gold medalists’ total was nowhere near what his total is. Stoby, who trains at the Kingsrow Barbell Gym, mentioned that he is confident of lifting the world title as his preparation leading up to the championships have been exceptional. He added that he is just focused on executing his lifts to return with the gold medal.
According to reports from the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), Stoby, the 74kg Masters Two, is the World number-one ranked contender this year in his weight class and barring any setbacks, he should give Guyana its first ever World powerlifting title.
Stoby, who has won gold medals at the Pan Am, CAC and Caribbean Championships, is primed to add the world title he needs to add to his illustrious resume.
Compatriot Big John Edwards, (120kgs class) who was scheduled to compete at the Championship, has withdrawn due to an injury therefore all of Guyana’s hopes hinges on the ‘Little Master’ to lift another gold medal as well as the Golden Arrowhead.
