“I’ve exceeded 5% so far on new records”

Peterson prepared for World Classic Powerlifting Championships

The International Powerlifting Federation’s (IPF’s) World Classic Powerlifting Championships are set to take place in Helsingborg, Sweden from June 3-15, and Guyanese Carlos ‘The Show Stopper’ Peterson will be aiming to move up the rankings and make his nation proud.

Carlos Peterson

Peterson secured his spot at Sweden 2019 when he won gold in the Men’s Raw Open 93kg class, and followed up that performance in the Men’s Equipped Open division by claiming his second gold and setting a new national Total record of 800kg. His Squat of 315kg was also a new national record, as was his Deadlift mark of 330kg.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Peterson was asked about his readiness for the competition. He replied, “Thus far, I’m taking things one step at a time as the date draws closer. I am currently 80 per cent prepared. To be honest, I’ve exceeded 5 per cent so far on new records, (and am) looking forward to close off at a 15 per cent before travelling to the event.
“My coach, Big John Edwards, has motivated me to keep pushing myself beyond the limit. He keeps telling me, ‘One rep is what is going to put you more close to becoming the Greatest’; so, instead of settling for one rep, I do 4 more just to challenge myself.
“One of my main goals in Sweden is to establish a better platform for other athletes; and, most of all, to become one of the greatest, as I will be looking forward to place within the top 3 and step up in rankings.”
Peterson also disclosed that the reason he is focused on making it into the top three is because, once achieved, monetary incentive will be awarded, which will lead to further sponsorship/funds. This all boils down to a situation in the near future wherein Peterson will not have to seek donation of funds from sponsors, as funding would be provided him.
He also related that while he does a lot of exercises, he mainly trains as a bodybuilder; meaning that the more hypertrophy training he is able to do, the greater would be his capacity for work. Thus the more volume he can handle, the more progress he would make.
Peterson has also said, “I would like to say a special ‘thanks’ to the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), Fitness Express’s Jamie McDonald, Space Gym, Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI); Big John Edwards, for having me under his wings; and most of all to God, for bringing me this far.”