Harris dominant in women’s competition
THE South’s best powerlifters threw iron around like it was old cardboard at the Southern Provincial Powerlifting Championships in Dunedin over the weekend.
A field of 49 competitors squatted, benchpressed and deadlifted in the hope of gaining provincial honours at the Otago Powerlifting Association’s gym at Fryatt St.
Orla Harris dominated the women’s competition, claiming the junior and overall titles.
Harris, a medical student at Otago University, not only blew away her rivals but smashed her personal records during her weekend double.
Harris squated 132.5kg, benchpressed 90kg and deadlifted 150kg to secure her titles.
She finished with 400.53 Wilks points — derived from a formula which factors in the weight of the competitor and the weight lifted.
‘‘I was very happy with that. ‘‘The total I got was a PB and I also got personal bests on each individual lift, as well,’’ she said.
Harris’ successes have qualified her for the national championships in October.
‘‘We have got about 16 weeks until the nationals and I will train harder up to that and try to push it further.’’
Liz Girvan finished runnerup in the women’s competition with 375.55 Wilks points, enough for her to claim the women’s masters title.
Megan Smith was just behind Girvan on 363.03 in the overall women’s standing. She also finished runnerup to Harris in the junior competition.
Invercargill powerlifter Andy Mahon was a comprehensive winner of the men’s competition.
His 300kg squat, 165kg benchpress and 315kg deadlift gave him a winning total of 471.23 Wilks points.
Angus McKay finished runnerup behind Mahon in the overall competition and clinched the junior title with his 420.31 Wilks points.
Tom Hart was runnerup in the junior competition on 418.36, which placed him third in the overall standings.