World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships: Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Griffith picks up two medals

…Ends 6th in the world

Guyana’s leading strongman, Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Griffith, powered his way to silver and bronze medals, and raised the bar on a number of national records when he competed at the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships held at Intercontinental Arena Conference Centre, Intercontinental Hotel, St George’s, Bay, St Julians, Malta, from June 11 to 18.
Contesting in the 93kg category, which attracted the most athletes of all the categories, 42 in total, Petterson-Griffith displayed his ability among the best, and in some instances more accomplished, athletes in the world. Lifting in Flight B of the three flights, the Guyanese was the standout lifter, powering his way to the top of the grip in both the squat and deadlift, but was outdone in the bench press — an area in which, by his own acknowledgement, he still has work to.

He equalled his squat record of 320.0kg (705.48lb) set on August 28th, 2022 at Saint Stanislaus College with his second attempt, and challenged for the world record of 331.0kg when he attempted 334.0, but was not successful on his third and final lift. His performance was however good for the bronze, with two of the lifters in Flight A taking the gold (Amar Kanane of Algeria – 325.0kg) and silver (Gustav Hedlund of Sweden – 320kg).
Carlos’s achievement in the benchpress – of 172.5kg – has equalled the national benchpress record Wazim Mohamed holds – 172.5kg (380.30lb) – which he achieved on October 24, 2021 at the Life Gym at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. The Showstopper’s performance bettered his previous best of 165.0kg.
He capped off a successful sojourn with a classical display in the deadlift, in which he upped the ante by 10kg to 355.0kg (782.64lb) from 345.0 (760.60lb) which was set on April 25, 2018 at Saint Stanislaus College.
This performance again outshone his rivals in Flight B, and it took a lifter from Flight A to edge him to the silver. Additionally, Petterson-Griffith set a new Total National Record with his 847.0kg (1867.31lb) by which he erased his own previous record of 825.0kg (1818.81lb) achieved on August 28, 2022 at Saint Stanislaus College.
His performance overall saw him ending as the world’s sixth-best athlete in this category, the best performance ever registered by a Guyanese.
The President and Executive Committee of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation have been extending copious congratulations to Carlos Petterson-Griffith on his outstanding performance at this year’s edition of the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships.
“We knew all along that you have what it takes to stand up with the best in the world, and you have vindicated that belief. We know that this is just a step up to another level, and we will continue to give you the necessary support needed to climb the world ladder ever higher.” GABBFF President Franklin Wilson has declared.
Carlos “The Showstopper” Petterson-Griffith is again extending gratitude to the following persons for making
His trip a reality: The Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr; National Sports Commission, Guyana Olympic Association, MVP Sports, Fitness Express, Superior Concrete, Space Gym, and other private supporters.