… Director of Sport reaffirms NSC support
AFTER hauling six gold and two bronze medals as well as individual awards, the core of Guyana’s ‘golden’ powerlifting team arrived in Guyana just after midnight, yesterday, to an excited and anxious Guyana Amateur Power Lifting Federation (GAPLF) family along with Director of Sport Christopher Jones at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
After receiving a warm welcome, the trio of Carlos Petterson-Griffith (Men’s Raw Open 93kg gold and Men’s Equipped Open 93kg gold), Nadina Taharally (Masters Raw I 72kg gold, Raw Open 72kg bronze) and Franklyn Brisport-Luke (Equipped Masters I, 66kg bronze and Equipped Open 66kg bronze) spoke to Chronicle Sport about their experiences.
Petterson-Griffith said that after winning bronze last year it was “determination that propelled me”.
“Despite being 12 890 feet above sea level, having my nose blocked up and having to get accustomed to the climate, I always backed myself to come out on top. I’m disappointed at not being able to go for the world record in the Dead Lift but I have my sights set on the World Championships and other upcoming competitions where I’ll go one better,”
A seasoned and proven athlete on the international scene, Nadina Taharally, revealed that she fought through nosebleeds and gave it her all despite the circumstances. She also pointed out that as long as she is able to go out there and give it her all for Guyana, she will continue to do the country proud.
Meanwhile, Brisport-Luke, who was on his first international outing, said it was a spectacular feeling to win medals for his country. He also pointed out the challenges of breathing properly but noted that he gave it his best.
In the future, Brisport-Luke said, he will be looking to represent the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ on the international scene. “Now that I’ve had a taste of what it’s like, now that I’ve gotten over the butterflies, I want to improve and do better in the future.”
Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Director of Sport Christopher Jones revealed that while the National Sports Commission (NSC) wasn’t able to help entirely, the body supported to the best of its ability.
“We had made a commitment to them, that in 2018 once we’re pursuing same (medals on the international stage), the NSC would come on board. However we came short, we weren’t able to fulfil their entire request but we helped with a part.”
He also noted that the NSC has budgeted for 2019 to ensure that there are no shortcomings in 2019.
“We have budgeted specifically for regional and international tournaments in 2019 and as such we’ve requested that the various associations submit their proposals for the New Year. How many of them have already done so; I wouldn’t be able to say, but systems will be in place to ensure that there isn’t a repeat.”
The team which comprised of eight athletes; Nadina Taharally, Carlos Petterson-Griffith, Grace Babb, Paul Adams, Nairanjan Singh, Frank Tucker, Franklyn Brisport-Luke and Erwyn Smith hauled in a total of six gold and two bronze medals at the recently concluded IPF/NAPF Regional Championships in Mexico City, Mexico which ran from August 1 to 4.
