Carlos Peterson-Griffith during his record-breaking squat
The Sheffield Powerlifting Championships concluded over the past weekend with renowned Guyanese strongman Carlos “the Showstopper” Peterson-Griffith making waves on the international stage: he shattered the world squat record and reset it at 332.5kg in his second attempt at the squats, then went on to finish 7th overall in the competition by amassing a total of 875kg at 98.5%.
Speaking after his feat, “the Showstopper” noted that he is contented with his performance, and is hungry for more. He said, “Sheffield has been a great experience! Marvellous! Besides the weather, settling in and so forth, one of my main aspects was to perform, not just at a great stage, but a high level. One of the main things is: set out to be one of the best, and set out to compete among the best,” the powerlifter shared.
Peterson added, “My main objective was to place among the big guns. With that being said, my previous world totals was 847.5kg, I was able to surpass that, and not just rewriting history in the South American region, but also clinch the World record on my second attempt squat, which was 332.5kg.”
Aside from his brief World record achievement, which was later reset by American Gavin Aiden at 337kg, Peterson- Griffith was able to better a number of his personal bests.
Carlos Peterson-Griffith
With his bench press improving from 172.5kg to 182.5kg and his deadlift from 355kg to 360kg, the Guyanese is looking to extend the gap in South America, and even clinch the top spot in the world.
“I’m still currently number one in South America, solidly now opening a greater gap and also to pursue higher heights. I’m currently 25 kilos away, literally 20 kilos away, from becoming World champion. I’ll do the necessary tweaks and (be) able to put that in motion,” Peterson-Griffith has vowed.
Besides his impressive achievements, Peterson-Griffith has walked away with a sum in excess of 1000 euros after the competition, and words of high praise from those on these local shores.
President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), Franklin Wilson, was most effusive in his praise for the Guyanese athlete and those involved in making possible his participation at this international event. He said,
“I would like to, on behalf of the GAPLF Executive and the powerlifting fraternity, congratulate Carlos for bringing himself and the nation great joy with his historic performance.
“We are proud of this achievement, which further strengthened the foundation for the sport to advance even more. He has worked hard, is very dedicated to the sport, and we are awed that this is another hurdle crossed in his still growing career.
“Kudos must be extended to his technical team, Coach Jones and Assistant Coach Mc Donald. They worked excellently as a team, and put in a lot of work behind the scenes.
“Special thanks to Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr for his continued support, which had paid dividends. The National Sports Commission, and by extension the Government of Guyana, must also be commended for their support over the years. Bigger things are on the horizon for the sport and Guyana!” Wilson shared in a statement.
