Trainstation on trophy trail
The much-delayed 2022 Summer Slam GPCNZ Nationals powerlifting competition was held in Browns Bay, Auckland, on Saturday.
Te Awamutu’s Team Trainstation sent Paula Johnstone and Coach Mike Smith, in their second nationals and third competition of the year, and Dean Williams in his second competition of the year.
Paula lost the chance to achieve world records as GPCNZ couldn’t accommodate a foreign third referee due to Covid. She had to settle for a New Zealand bench record in the equipped section as well as first place and New Zealand champion again.
Dean hit a 210 raw squat to win the squat only section and just missed another personal best when he suffered a minor injury in the third lift.
Mike, who co-assisted with running the event, was spread thin as he also MC-ed and competed in deadlift only.
He took a reserved approach, nursing a few injuries and using it to qualify for the 2022 nationals, and was lucky enough to win the deadlift only and New Zealand title.
A fantastic day was held by all including the six-man crew from Trainstation that assisted on the day. The team was sponsored once again by Committed AF apparel.
The next event is the sold-out TA SLAY in Te Awamutu on March 26.