Guyana’s powerlifters more than doubled their medal tally at the South American Powerlifting Championships on Friday, climbing from six to 14 medals after a strong day in Santiago, Chile.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Duarte Hetsberger led the charge in the men’s 83-kilogram Masters 1 division.

He entered the deadlift in third place overall, then lifted 240 kilograms to finish with a 575-kilogram total and claim overall silver. He also earned silver in the bench press and bronze in both the squat and deadlift.

In the same division, Matthew Maycock marked his international debut with squat silver and a 555-kilogram total. He completed eight of his nine attempts, missing only his final bench press lift.

Demetri Chan added bench press silver in the 83-kilogram Open division. His lifts totalled 620 kilograms, placing him fifth overall.

Olsen Batson’s medal required a quick recovery.

The bar slipped off his back during his opening squat attempt in the Junior 93-kilogram division, but he returned to lift 275 kilograms on his second attempt and secure bronze. He finished sixth overall with a total of 657.5 kilograms.

At the end of Friday’s competition, Guyana’s tally stood at three gold, seven silver and four bronze. Five members of the 17-person squad were still due to compete, including Omali Vancooten, Joshua John, Sereste King, Tremel King and Bjorn Williams.

Duarte Hetsberger