Jade powers ahead for NZ
Despite having competed as a powerlifter for less than two years, Kerikeri’s Jade Isbister is set to represent New Zealand 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 Potchefstroom, 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 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 [of powerlifting] 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 - going to South Africa is a once in a lifetime experience. It means a lot.’’
Isbister’s debut for New Zealand was in December 2016 at the 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.
‘‘My ultimate goal is to make it to the World Championships next year, that is the pinnacle of powerlifting.’’
The sport is growing, Isbister says, especially with more younger women starting to take part.
‘‘It’s more acceptable for women to compete in what was normally a male dominated sport.
‘‘It’s awesome to see more young girls getting into the sport.’’
The New Zealand Powerlifting Federation selected Isbister to compete in South Africa.
‘‘I did my first novice competition in 2016, then the Northland Championships. I had no expectations, I had no idea it would lead to this. I just started doing it with the aim of seeing how far I can go.’’