The World Classic Powerlifting Championships being held in Sweden have already commenced, and will conclude on June 15. And Guyana’s only representative there, strongman Carlos Peterson-Griffith, will be departing these shores on June 9 to participate in his respective events in Sweden.
Carlos Peterson-Griffith will be representing Guyana at the World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sweden
Peterson-Griffith was recently suspended for a period of twelve months by the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) and the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), for violating the GAPFL constitution by competing at a StrongFit competition in Barbados on May 4-5.
The GAPLF made the decision to not support Peterson-Griffith’s trip to the Worlds in Sweden because he had competed at the Barbados event without the express permission of the GAPFL.
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 a sit-down with Guyana Times Sport, Peterson-Griffith revealed: “Despite the situation I’m facing at the current moment, I will be going to Sweden to compete and make my nation proud.
“I’m not a user of any illicit drug; I am 100% clean. Every time I stand on a platform to represent Guyana, I give my best. Even though the decision was made, I remain humble. It is what it is; I’m not banned and I’m only suspended. I haven’t received an official letter from the mother federation, which is the IPF.
“Whatever stones have been thrown, I will take it and build a mansion with it, and not give up. I would like to thank all my sponsors, and (promise I) will not disappoint them at the Worlds. I will be leaving Guyana on June 9.”
He also revealed that his opening lifts at the Worlds would see him Squat from 680lbs/285-290kg; Bench Press from 350lbs/150-160kg, and Deadlift from 730lbs/315-320kg.
