‘Big John’ shatters records, Morgan powers to best lifter honours

May 18, 2009 Sports

Team Guyana was large and in charge at the 3rd Annual Caribbean Islands Bench Press and Powerlifting Championships staged in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands over the weekend.

The successful Guyanese strongmen fly the Golden Arrowhead proudly. From left: Randolph Morgan, ‘Big’ John Edwards, Mervin ‘Spongy’ Moses and Manager Peter Green.

The ‘big man’ of the group, ‘Big’ John Edwards took no prisoners, exploding to two new records, while Randolph Morgan claimed the best lifter title in the process as both strongmen won their divisions based on brief reports received.

Mervin ‘Spongy’ Moses was unfortunate not to be among the medals in his category after he encountered difficulties adjusting to his new bench press suit and failed at this attempt whilst leading comfortably. The setback was described by team Manager Peter Green as, “…really heartbreaking because the opposition were way behind him in total in the 75kg category.”

‘Big John’ smashed his own records in the Masters M1B Class at 125 kg with a new squat record of 337.5kg and new total of 837.5kg as he won the Men’s Open 125kg division comfortably to take the Caribbean as well as NAPF Regional crowns.

Morgan won the 82.5kg class from several Americans strongmen as well as copping the best lifter title to emerge as the new Caribbean champion.

The team is set to return home tomorrow.

Guyana Powerlifting Federation President Peter Green attended the NAPF Congress at which arrangements for Development Assistance and Guyana’s hosting of the 4th Annual Bench Press and Caribbean Championships in April 2010 were discussed.

Green informed that Guyana has been officially confirmed as the venue for the 2010 championships at the meeting. More details on other discussions are to be released shortly.

Guyanese athletes made a successful return to regional powerlifting when Edwards and Moses were outstanding in June, 2008 in Aruba. While Moses would be disappointed this time, he displayed in the early going his tremendous ability.

Morgan on the other hand entered the fray with a bang, while Edwards continued his dominance. Next year promises much as other local strongmen will look to cash in on home advantage and continue Guyana’s dominance.