–Minister Ramson sends heartfelt congratulations

A PHENOMENAL display by Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Griffith saw the Guyanese strongman whipping the best in the world when his 337.5kg Squat became the new world record at the 2024 edition of the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships taking place in Druskininkai, Lithuania.

He promised to rock the world, and that is exactly what he did yesterday when he achieved what no other Guyanese in any sport has done: Claim a world record.

The achievement was by no means an easy one, as the Guyanese arrived in Lithuania about seven hours before competition, and was faced with another challenge of having to shave off 2kgs to make the 93kg weight.

No stranger to these kinds of challenges, Petterson-Griffith, working closely with his Coach, Dexter Jones, was able to make the weight and take care of business, as he had promised Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr. just before heading to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, on Tuesday night.

Petterson-Griffith had given the world a hint of what was to come when he became the first Guyanese to compete at Sheffield24 in February as one of the top 12 powerlifters in the world. There, he ended 7th overall and broke the world record, momentarily, as Gavin Aiden of the USA reclaimed it with a 337.0kg squat.

Petterson-Griffith did attempt 337.5, but did not get it. Back to the table with his Coach he went, and the rest is now history, as he was 10kg better than the silver medalist yesterday. The overall winner of the 93kg class Gustav Hedlund was 2nd in the quat with 327.5kg.

Petterson-Griffith achieved a best bench press of 177.5kg, while his best deadlift was 345.0kg. He attempted 370 as the competition to the overall top three medals was very fierce, but he was not successful, as he’d cramped up just before completing the lift. The same weight was attempted on his third attempt, but the result was the same.

Despite this, he ended as the fifth best athlete in the world with a total of 860.0kg, as Sweden’s Hedlund’s 895 claimed the overall gold. Bulgaria’s Emil Krastev also achieved an 895.0kg total, but was relegated to silver, as the gold medalist trumped him on a lighter bodyweight. The bronze medal went to the USA’s Brandon Pitre with 887.5kg.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. extended congratulations to Petterson-Griffth on behalf of Government and people of Guyana, stating that he had no doubt that this day would have come.

“On behalf of his Excellency, President Irfaan Ali and this nation, we extend huge congratulations to you, Carlos, and to Domini Tyrell who won a bronze medal on debut. Your achievement is sensational, to say the least, and we are proud of you for flying the Golden Arrowhead aloft, and being the best in squat along with the world record in the 93kg class, which is the most fiercely contested category.”

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle also extended congratulations to Petterson-Griffth on this accomplishment, which brings pride to the nation.

Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) President Franklin Wilson also congratulated Petterson-Griffith on his achievement, and noted that this was in the making, having watched his charge at Sheffield24.

“Carlos’ achievement is great for this nation, which has been on a really positive trajectory when it comes to the development of sports and the empowerment of our athletes. Carlos has been receiving tremendous support from the Ministry of Sport, the National Sports Commission, and by extension, the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Olympic Association amongst others. This support, no doubt, has been vindicated with this world record. Watch out, much more will come!”

Wilson also noted that this success is even more commendable, given the fact that Petterson-Griffith trains at home.