Sarah Sanmogan and Keisha Abrigo showcased exceptional prowess at the 10th Annual FESUPO Regional Powerlifting Championships held in Lima, Peru.
The duo, representing Guyana, faced off against a formidable field of competitors from Peru, Brazil, Suriname, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, and Colombia.
Sanmogan, a newcomer in the 69kg Junior category, made a resounding debut by clinching four gold and one silver medal. Her remarkable performance included a best squat of 155.0kg, earning her a silver medal. She secured gold in the bench press with a successful lift of 80.0kg after two initial setbacks. Sanmogan’s prowess in the deadlift event was undeniable, as she lifted 175.0kg, claiming yet another gold. Her combined total of 410.0kg left no room for doubt, crowning her the overall champion.
In the fiercely contested 76kg Open category, Abrigo faced tough competition.
After the squat and bench press, she initially trailed Iolanda Costa of Brazil and Peru’s Mia Hurtado. However, Abrigo executed a remarkable comeback. Her best squat of 162.5kg and bench press of 75.0kg set the stage for a thrilling finale. In a breathtaking deadlift of 202.5kg (446lb), Abrigo secured the gold on her final lift of the day. Additionally, Abrigo claimed the South American Women’s Classic Bench Press Championships bronze medal in the 76kg Open category. Despite securing the deadlift bronze with 155.0kg, Costa secured the overall silver medal with a total of 437.5kg.
Sanmogan and Abrigo were the lone female representatives in Guyana’s eight-athlete contingent.
Their exceptional performances on the international stage were a testament to the strength and skill of Guyanese powerlifters.
Sarah Sanmogan and Keisha Abrigo’s outstanding achievements at the 2023 FESUPO SAC Powerlifting Championships not only brought glory to themselves but also elevated the status of Guyana in the global powerlifting community.
Travis Seymour for NCN News