Petterson-Griffith out of World Powerlifting Championships due to visa issues

Carlos Petterson-Griffith had his eyes set on competing at the World Powerlifting Championships scheduled for September 23 to October 3, 2021 in Sweden. However, that dream was cut short as he was denied that opportunity due to the fact that Guyana is the only country that requires a European Schengen Visa to travel to Sweden.
In a statement, Petterson-Griffith said, “I, along with the federation had exhausted all our options in trying to obtain this visa within the said period needed, but to no avail; the only response we had gotten for a closest date for the interview, given the pandemic protocols would be after the competition, which would defeat the entire purpose of this trip. This makes 2 years as I will be missing the World Championships even though I was fully prepared. I know in my heart that I would have placed within the top tier of the best five lifters, and it is a disappointing feeling knowing that it was out of my control having everything in place to travel aside from the visa.”
Petterson-Griffith, however, said that with every setback, there was an even greater comeback and he was confident that he would be competing next year at the World Championships with God’s grace. He stated that he was now focused on the future and was preparing for the upcoming South American Championships in Ecuador, which would be his redemption, as he would then be able to showcase some of the preparation he had put in place for the World Championships.
Petterson-Griffith also extended heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all the people and entities that supported him, namely Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; the National Sport Commission (NSC); Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, Fitness Express’s Jamie McDonald; MVP Sports; Guybisco, and DeSinco Trading as well as those who wish to remain private.
In closing, the world-class powerlifter said, “I would like to end with a quote by Anderson Silva: “A champion is defined by the adversity he overcomes. I would like to encourage our young athletes and the ones who are hungry and pushing for greatness to keep pushing and never give up and to always remember the comeback is always stronger than the setback.”