Guyana’s Randolph Morgan has captured an individual gold medal at the World Power lifting Championships in Puerto Rico.
Morgan placed eighth overall but dead lifted 330 (727.65lbs) kilogrammes to win the 83 kilogramme category.
Second place in the dead lift competition went to Bulgaria’s Todor Vasilev 325kgs (716.62lbs) while Ecuador’s Jose Castillo with a lift of 322.5kgs (711.11lbs) was third. According to a press release Morgan triumphed despite arriving in Puerto Rico mere hours ahead of the scheduled competition.
Morgan was accompanied by his coach Denroy Livan.
The 83kg category attracted over 24 of the World’s best lifters and Morgan dominated group B which featured the lifters ranked 12th to 24th in the World.
Morgan was also able to smash his own national and Caribbean record of 322.5kgs.
Morgan is expected to return to Guyana next Sunday. In an invited comment, President of the Guyana Amateur Power lifting Federation (GAPF) Peter Green said he was extremely elated that the federation’s goals and plans implemented in 2008 under his leadership were bearing fruit.
He noted that lifters such as Winston Stoby, Morgan, `Big’ John Edwards and Dawn Barker have had some measure of success on the international scene pointing out that a host of young and determined regional top lifters such as Vijai Rahim, Gumendra Shewdas, Anis Thomas amongst others are also the beneficiaries of the programme.
Green also spoke of the emergence of the capable coach Livan who he said possesses competent managerial skills.
Livan, said Green, has proven himself to be extremely capable in providing the positive, calming influence and efficiency in preparing the athletes before their lifts.
