Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Grifith continues to use the international stage to provide a reminder of his otherworldly strength prowess.
‘The Showstopper’s latest feat came recently in Lithuania at the World Classic Powerlifting Championship where he set a new squat world record in the 93kg category.
Finishing a respectable fifth overall in a field of 34 competitors, the behemoth etched his name in the annals of world history by setting a new benchmark for the squat with a mammoth 337.5kg (744.06 lbs), bettering the previous mark of 337kg held by Gavin Adin of the USA.
With his Herculean feat, which earned him gold medal in the lift, Petterson-Grifith became the first Guyanese to achieve a world record in any discipline.
Overall, the strong man tallied a combined 860kg (1895.975 lbs) after also bench-pressing 177.5kg and deadlifting 345kg.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission extended congratulations to Petterson-Grifith for his historic achievement on the Lithuanian platform.
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. and Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle led the chorus of praise for Petterson-Griffith from the two sporting authorities, who are at the forefront of local development.
Petterson-Griffith’s unprecedented success is indicative of what can be achieved if the investment, which is the largest in the history of the nation, mirrors the existing talent in synchronization with the requisite structure and policies.
His achievement has placed Guyana firmly on the map of the sporting world, especially in a discipline that is traditionally dominated by North Americans and Europeans, which makes his accomplishment even more outstanding and serves as evidence of the strides that are being made towards achieving a world-class sports culture.
Petersen-Griffith has not only left an imprint on the world, but his achievement will serve as an example and inspiration for all Guyanese.
In a similar vein, Dominic Tyrell should also be commended for his impressive performance in securing a bronze medal and a sixth-place overall placement on his debut in the 83kg category.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport and the National Sports Commission would once again like to congratulate Petterson-Griffith on his remarkable achievement and state that we remain committed to the development and improvement of the sporting ecosystem.
His triumph will serve to further invigorate and empower the aforesaid objective.
