Hurt back ends attempt

GOLD Coast powerlifter John Gabriel endured the ultimate mixed day at the Australian Powerlifting League national championships at Ashmore on Saturday.

The 42-year-old was gunning to set a new world record for a squat lift by a drug-tested athlete but was forced to withdraw when his back flared up while warming up.

“We have got worlds coming up in November so it just wasn’t worth the risk,” he said.

“It was a bit disappointing there after a big build up but the good thing was I got to sit back and watch my daughter hit two world junior records.”

Chloe, who at 16 tips the scales at just 59kg, executed a 110kg squat lift as well as a 110.5kg deadlift.