Top spots for Te Awamutu lifters at Proving Grounds
Te Awamutu’s Team Trainstation had a three-person team contest at ACTN3’s Proving Grounds 2022 powerlifting contest under GPCNZ rules in Auckland on Saturday.
Michael Fernandez was a late withdrawal due to isolating so the others dedicated their lifts to the hardworking junior athlete.
It was a big show with 62 entrants but that didn’t deter the team from Te Awamutu all taking out the top spots in their divisions.
Dean Williams was in his fourth contest and team coach Mike Smith said that “he was the most improved in the country getting better show by show, winning the overall master men’s.”
Leanne Simays, a multi-sport legend, also represented Team Trainstation and won the overall masters women with a total that would had been much greater if it wasn’t for an injury that prevented her final two lifts.
“It’s always amazing having Lea on our side for her experience and teamwork,” Smith said.
And lastly William Kawau — the absolute star of the show.
Kawau won the overall juniors and the biggest total including the biggest deadlift of 310 and narrowly missing 320 to put him on a 785 total, which easily qualify him for the 2022 GPC nationals.
“This was huge for William, Te Awamutu and powerlifting. A true superstar who goes about his work quietly and is humble,” Smith said.
“Expect big things from William in the coming years.”
Besides the great success of the Trainstation athletes, a further 10 people made the trip to Auckland including the MC, refs, platform and table crew and spectating.
Trainstation have a Bay of Plenty comp in June followed by a three show bodybuilding schedule including Te Awamutu’s Rosetown Posetown.