Edwards and Rahim proud of achievements

Aug 22, 2012 Sports

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– lack of financial support did not deter them

By Franklin Wilson
It has almost become a norm for most of our athletes to leave these shores struggling for financial support from the main stakeholders but even while that is so, mere grit, determination and the will to excel has seen our athletes doing well.
Our powerlifters have proven over the past five (5) years and counting that they have what it takes to beat the best at all the levels they have contested so far.

Returning home to these shores on Monday night were the successful pair of ‘Big’ John Edwards and Vijay Rahim who copped gold and silver medals respectively at the just concluded South American Powerlifting Championships held in Cali, Columbia.
Edwards won his gold in the 120KG Masters M1 category with a best Squat of 325kg; Bench Press of 200kg and Deadlift of 275kg.
Rahim took the silver medal in the 59KG Junior category, with a total of 547.5kg which bettered his total at the Caribbean Championships of 507.5kg achieved this year.
Speaking with the media yesterday, both athletes expressed joy at their achievements with Edwards also successfully completing the Level II IPF Referees examinations which he passed with distinction and had his first taste of officiating at the South American Championships.
He said that it was very hectic for him with the referees exams coming before he competed and that brought its fair amount of challenges but like a good Guyanese, he was up to the task of doing his best.
‘Big John’, as he is familiarly known, said that the days were extended with the volume of work that had to be put in.
“The experience was good you know, but this one was a bit different given the fact that it was twofold for me, as a lifter and referee. The exam was done by the chief examiner of the IPF and it was thorough. The lifting on Sunday saw me not being fully rested but as you know, I went out and did what I had to do.”
He also disclosed that his main aim this time around was to qualify as an IPF Referee and that he achieved.
His views on what the accomplishment means for him: “Well achieving this mean that Guyana will benefit as a whole with the knowledge acquired doing this exam. The things that I used to overlook I am now aware of it. As a competitor it has also made me aware of certain rules that we never knew about; the knowledge that I’ve gained I will now share with fellow lifters and referees so that we all can improve.”
‘Big John’ was pellucid in stating that he will continue to compete but not as frequent as he did before. “Maybe one championship per year and that’s it.”
He was invited to officiate at the World Championships set for Puerto Rico in November but he is not certain of being there owing to some other important commitments that he would have undertaken before.
Zooming in a bit on Rahim’s achievement, Edwards said that he was impressed with his performance, but he had to pull him {Rahim} aside at one point {After his second lift) and talk to him since he was losing focus.
Rahim did reveal that he was a bit nervous and the butterflies were really flying given the level of the championships in terms of the number of athletes and the very professional manner in which things were being done.
Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation President Peter Green did state that the Columbia championships were being used as the tester for the World Games next year.
Rahim in his comments said that he was aiming for the gold medal but had to contend with the silver. “I wanted to do better but I still did well having improved by 40kg on my overall total and I’m very happy with that. I also broke the South American squat record which was my intention and I’m pleased but I was expecting the gold.”
The GUYSUCO Cane Harvester confidently stated that the next time he encounters L. Nieto of Ecuador who won the gold medal; he will return the favour by out powering him.
“I would like to thank God for giving me the strength to come trough successfully. My wife also was very supportive of me and has been there for me even in her pregnancy she has always been very encouraging and understanding.”
Rahim noted that the many challenges he faced leading up to the competition including the issue of time off but he was grateful in the end of how things turned out for him in his debut at this level.
Nervousness did play a role initially but the fact that Rahim had the experienced John Edwards in his corner made a big difference as Edwards was able to bring him back on track when he was buckling under the pressure of competing on the big stage.
The Berbice based Rahim expressed gratitude to his sponsors for their support; Minister of Agriculture Mr. Leslie Ramsammy, Bush Lot Rice Mill, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, GAPF and his fellow Cane Harvesters.
He also expressed gratitude to Edwards for the role he played in keeping him focused when it mattered.
“When I saw so much athletes and people it took its toll on me but ‘Big John’ was able to help me overcome those moments and I did well in the end. He pulled me aside and told me to just do what I know to do best and we did it. It was a good experience for me and it has made me a better competitor.”
He also extended thanks to his personal Coach Mr. Fazim Abdool and Farook Abdool, the head Coach for the gym.

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