Powering ahead for NZ
Despite having competed as a powerlifter for less than two years, Kerikeri’s Jade Isbister is set to represent NZ for a second time.
Isbister, 22, will wear the silver fern at the Commonwealth Championships run by the Commonwealth Powerlifting Federation from September 10-17 in South Africa.
Powerlifting consists of three lifts; a squat, deadlift and a bench press, with the highest total across the three lifts securing a win. Isbister got involved involved in the sport around 18 months ago.
‘‘I wanted to find a reason to go to the gym that wasn’t about aesthetics and the performance aspect really appealed to me,’’ she says.
‘‘I’ve never viewed myself as an athlete, and this sport showed that I can be an athlete. I aspired to compete at an international level so it is a dream come true.’’
Isbister first represented NZ in December 2016 at the Asia/Oceania Championships in Christchurch.
Between working and studying for a Bachelor of Applied Social Work, she is currently training for between 14 and 15 hours a week.
At her first competition a total of 247.5kg was recorded, with Isbister currently recording a 325kg total with a 117.5kg squat, 67.5kg benchpress and a deadlift of 140kg.
Isbister competes in the junior (19-23 years-old) under 72kg class and is coached by Joseph Kennedy.