32nd FESUPO/16th NAPF & FESUPO Pan American C/ships – Equipped Day 3… ‘Big’ John Edwards ends with a bang; 3 golds 1 silver; new Commonwealth BP record

Jul 10, 2017 Sports, http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....monwealth-bp-record/

By Franklin Wilson

He did not save the best for last only, but proved yet again that he is a lasting warrior of no mean proportion. One of Guyana’s tested, tried and proven gladiators on the powerlifting platform rocked in Orlando, USA when he cantered to three gold medals and a silver medal.
It was the final day of the 16th North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) and 32nd South American Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO) Equipped Championships on Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport.
This brought the curtains down on five days of explosive action featuring strongmen and women from 20 nations, from teenagers to lifters bordering on four score years, male and female.
It was in this international setting that athletes from Guyana further cemented their legacy proving that the old warriors are still good as Guyana’s gold, while the younger generation also proved that they are just as valued as the seasoned campaigners with some exhilarating performances.
Edwards, competing in the 120kg Masters 11 50+ and Open categories and who already captured a gold and silver medal in the RAW version of the championships earlier, whilst establishing new Commonwealth, South American and Pan American records; seven in total, had not just yet finished.
He was in even more ripping form in the EQUIPPED segment as he powered his way gold medals in the South American and Pan American Masters category. He also won gold in the South American Open, but had to settle for silver in the Pan American Open competition.
In the two championships, RAW and EQUIPPED, “Big’ John ended with a total of 5 golds and 2 silvers to lead Guyana’s historic performance in terms of the most medals ever at an international championship, 33 inclusive of 19 golds.
On his way to dominance, John once again rewrote the record books by setting a new Commonwealth Benchpress record of 220kg, erasing the old mark of 210kg.

Final medal table for Guyana
Gold Silver Bronze Total
Day 1 2 2 1 5
Day 2 2 1 2 5
Day 3 11 3 2 16
Day 4 1 2 0 3
Day 5 3 1 0 4
Overall total 19 9 5 33