Hunte, Gopaul hoist top powerlifting awards

Gopaul, after a stellar 2016, copped the prize for Female Junior, Female Classic and Female Open Champion of Champions.

She also registered the highest Wilks score (145.696) which earned her the best squat (classic) accolade.

Gopaul, speaking to Newsday, said she never envisioned the success she has achieved since getting involved in the sport.

“I would encourage anyone to join the sport of powerlifting, because two to three years ago, I would have never thought that I would be a national powerlifting champion,” she said.

Hunte, after breaking the national record in the 105kg Junior and Open categories, won awards for earning the Highest Wilks score in both the deadlift (206.082) and bench press (117.331). The Wilks Formula is a coefficient that can be used to measure the strength of a powerlifter despite the different weights of the lifters.

The 21-year-old Hunte, who competed in just his second ‘Nationals’ and third competition overall, said, “I am now focused on the World Championships to be held in Belarus (June 2017) and the 2017 North American Championships (July 2017).” Barring financial constraints, Hunte should secure automatic qualification to these competitions.

He too advised those interested to “venture into the sport because it’s not too complexed.” Kevon Narine, who was instrumental in the coordination and successful organisation of the 2017 National Championships, was honoured for his yeoman service.

RESULTS

Overall Open Winners

Female-Open (Champion of Champions) - Dakoda Gopaul

Men-Open (Champion of Champions) - Rondel Hunte

Overall Winners - Equipped

Men-Junior - Josh Bahadur

Men Masters 1 - Doodnath Balgobin

Overall Winners Classic

Female-Junior (Champion of Champions) - Dakoda Gopaul

Female-Classic (Champion of Champions) - Dakoda Gopaul

Men-Sub junior (Champion of Champions) - Shane De La Rosa

Men-Junior (Champion of Champions) - Rondel Hunte

Men-Classic (Champion of Champions) - Rondel Hunte

Special Awards (Based on Wilks Points)

MALE

Best Squat Classic (181.225) - Adrian Knox

Best Benchpress Classic (117.331) - Rondel Hunte

Best Deadlift Classic (206.082) - Rondel Hunte

FEMALE

Best Squat Classic (145.696) - Dakoda Gopaul

Best Benchpress Classic (79.182) - Syanna Andrews

Best Deadlift Classic (168.792) - Lutchmi Sookram