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Carlos Petterson-Griffith wants to be World’s Best!
By Calvin Chapman
Carlos Petterson-Griffith powres through this Squat in December 2018. Franklin Wilson photo.
Strongman Carlos Petterson-Griffith is focus personified and his outstanding record in the past three years both locally and internationally speaks volumes about the athlete’s commitment and drive to make his dream of becoming one of the best athletes in the world, reality.Peterson-Griffith was well on his way to realising his dream in 2018 when he was rated number 10 in the World Classic Powerlifting rankings and has vowed to continue with utmost effort when competition gets back on track.
The 26-year-old has an impressive resume. In the 93kg category he is the current Equipped and Unequipped champion with his 305kg Squat, 165kg Bench Press and 350kg Deadlift, making him the record holder in the Unequipped category.
Internationally, Carlos has added a few titles to this trophy case inclusive of the Pan Am, South American, North American Powerlifting Federation and Commonwealth championships. The two-time Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Heavyweight champion (2018 & 2019) pays equal attention to his form and physique and shared with Kaieteur Sport that the Mr. Guyana title is on his to-do list.
During the interview with Kaieteur Sport, Petterson reminded that he is committed to bettering himself every day and he recounted his performances in the Crossfit ‘Strongman’ competitions as a testament to his determination.
In 2017 he finished third, in 2018 he copped second place and it wasn’t until last year that he earned the title as champion in an emphatic performance that lit up the Sports Hall Tarmac with an unofficial record 19 reps in the car lift exercise.
Carlos related that it is very difficult to remain motivated in Guyana especially when it comes to gathering sponsorship which is usually a huge hassle for many athletes.
“Although I’m an elite athlete, I still have to work an 8 to 12 hour job. I’m a certified Crane Operator. Sponsorship is minimum in Guyana and even worse now since we are in a pandemic but I do what I have to do because I have a goal that I am working towards”, Petterson-Griffith divulged.
Currently, he is sponsored by English Sportswear manufacturers SBD Apparel and he is trusting God for a breakthrough contract extension. Although the ‘Big’ John Edwards coached athlete has not been able to be in the gym during the pandemic he has been innovative with concrete blocks at home and runs on the seawall every day.
In addition, he has been using fishing as a “Coping mechanism” to deal with not being able to be in his element in the gym. He described fishing as an important exercise since it requires patience and, “In this world you have to have patience or else you wouldn’t be able to deal with many people.”
Peterson-Griffith completed a one-year suspension by the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) last May after competing in an unsanctioned event in Barbados and he described the experience as one that he has definitely learnt from.
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