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Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney is 1st local to break 800lbs squat barrier
The history making Colin 'Mr. Clean' Chesney powers his way into the record books becoming the first Guyanese to squats 365kgs (804.7lbs) at eth Skeldon Secondary School. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Elated with historic achievement
By Franklin Wilson
Hailing from the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden which has produced some of the best athletes across the various disciplines over the years, National Heavyweight Powerlifting champion Colin Chesney aka Mr. Clean has added his name to that privileged list following a phenomenal performance on Sunday last at the Skeldon High School in the Ancient County of Berbice.
In what was billed as the ‘CLASH of the TITANS’ between Chesney of Total Fitness Gym and ‘Big’ John Edwards of Kingsrow Barbell Club, Chesney etched his name into the record books ahead of his counterpart Edwards to become the first Guyanese to break the 800 pound squat barrier. He finally achieved the feat which proved elusive on two previous occasions.
The 37-year-old Chesney’s previous best performance of 744 lbs (337.5kgs) was achieved at last year’s Senior National Championships.
Witnessed by a vociferous, appreciative and colourful crowd, predominantly made up of fans and supporters of the sport in the Ancient County, the confident and unassuming Chesney lifted his way into the record books in style.
His first attempt saw him powering up 320kgs with ease; his second would be 352.5kgs which bettered his best performance last year.
In the mean time, Guyana’s most acclaimed Powerlifter who is a Caribbean gold medalist, ‘Big’ John Edwards did state before the showdown that he was not in the best shape having being hit by flu during the week and was experiencing some slight niggles in his knees.
Edwards did show courage in at least attempting to squat 332.5kgs but his knees did not stand up to the pressure of the weights on all three attempts which left Chesney all alone in the quest for national glory.
Urged on by the Linden contingent which included Guyana’s leading female lifter Dawn Barker, Chesney was ready to attempt the previously unreachable in Guyana.
There was an air of expectation as the fans, competitors and administrators braced for this record breaking attempt.
Announcer Bruce Whatley made the announcement to thunderous applause that Chesney’s third and final attempt was going to be a record attempt as the strongman went through his finals moments with the handlers ensuring that his squatting suit, knee wraps and belt were all to the desired tightness.
Chesney’s usual loud and noisy chants could have been heard as far as his home town in Linden as he approached the weights and by now the crowd had learnt the chant and they too were chanting as they helped to hype up the athlete.
‘Big’ John Edwards was also in the mix encouraging and urging on Chesney who stood up behind the weights stand, had a close look before advancing and settling himself under the bar to await instructions from the Chief Judge Andrew Austin.
The instructions were given by Austin to {SQUAT}. Chesney, with 365kgs a total of 804.7lbs went into squatting mode with the weights on the already bending bar hugging his shoulders. Down he went and up he came and with the three judges raining the white flag (good lift) as opposed to the red flag (failed lift), the celebrations started as Chesney finally made the mark of becoming the first Guyanese to squat 800lbs.
Many approached him to offer congratulations including Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation President Peter Green among other Executive members. Many fans and supporters also offered congratulations to Chesney who along with Edwards will now turn their attention to the 5th Annual Caribbean Championships set for next month in the Cayman Islands.
Chesney said that he was elated with the achievement which eluded his grasp before but not this time around. He noted that hard training and a disciplined approach to the sport allowed him to achieve the feat.
“I would like to thank all who have supported me so far and to let you know that I will be working even harder now for the Caribbean Championships.”
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