Masterton powerlifters seize glory

Masterton powerlifters, from left rear, Sheldon Hokianga, Joel Hintz, Bevan Mackenzie, Kathy Groenewald, Tim Hintz, Brett Gibbs, left front, and Tony Oliver.

Masterton powerlifters seized victory at the inaugural Novice Powerlifting Competition held in the town on Saturday.

Organiser Tim Hintz said the event, held outdoors at Wai Weight Private Gym in Bentley St, attracted a field of 17 powerlifters including his son Joel Hintz, a sub junior national record-holder.

World-class Masterton powerlifting champion Brett Gibbs, a junior world record-holder, was also on hand to help set weights and backstop competitors.

Mr Hintz said the greater-than-expected field of central districts powerlifters came in most part from Wellington and also included a sub-junior lifter from Palmerston North.

He said up to 100 spectators had at different times during the duration of the competition watched the powerlifting battles unfold and a pair of Masterton competitors had come out at the head of the pack in their weight divisions.

Powerlifting consists of three events - the squat, deadlift and bench press - during which competitors lift successively heavier weights in three attempts. Their best lift from each of the three events comprise an overall total.

Competition is divided into two categories; equipped lifting that allows a supportive bench shirt or squat and deadlift suit or briefs, and raw lifting that is performed without the specialised clothing.

The event on Saturday had been held to help attract newcomers to the sport and also was an opening fundraiser for Gibbs and Hintz junior to attend the International Powerlifting Federation world championships in Johannesburg in June.

Mr Hintz, who also will accompany the pair to South Africa as coach, said the novice contest had been an unalloyed success for spectators and competitors alike and successful as a fundraiser as well.

Novice Masterton powerlifters to take the winners podium on the day included Sheldon Hokianga, who won the 120kg men's open division with a 180kg squat, 140kg bench press and 220kg deadlift, and Kathy Groenewald who placed second in the open women's 83kg class with an 80kg squat, 55kg bench press and 110kg deadlift.

"It was a fantastic day all around and our lifters performed extremely well for their first time out."

Mr Hintz said his son Joel had achieved "unofficial" record lifts at the meet, registering a 250kg squat, 160kg bench press, and 240kg deadlift.

Lead sponsors for Gibbs and Hintz, Bevan and Rachel Mackenzie, owners of Wai Weight Gymnasium, also will be holding a fundraising event for the pair at Regent 3 Cinema in Masterton in April, Mr Mackenzie said.

The event will include the screening of a weightlifting documentary and an exhibition of powerlifting in the cinema foyer.

For more information call Tim Hintz at 027 458 4003 or Bevan Mackenzie at 027 254 5848.