Ten athletes will make their debut as part of Guyana’s 17-member team at the 2026 South American Powerlifting Championships in Santiago, Chile, where the country’s campaign begins on Sunday, September 20.
The newcomers form the majority of a squad that also includes established competitors, giving Guyana a blend of experience and fresh talent for the seven-day battle for individual and team honours.
For Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) President Franklin Wilson, the trip provides an opportunity for emerging lifters to gain experience alongside seasoned athletes while representing their country.
“It’s always important to ensure that the young athletes are afforded the opportunity to rub shoulders with the experienced lifters as they too hope to have successful careers,” Wilson said.
Two of the debutants, Janice Savory and Navindra Tamasar, will be in action on the opening day, when three Guyanese athletes are scheduled to compete.
Savory, who lives in Brazil, faces lifters from six other nations in the women’s 57kg Open Classic division. Tamasar will enter the 66kg Equipped competition.
Guyana has only two entrants in equipped lifting, with veteran Franklyn Brisport-Luke set to contest the 66kg Masters II category.
The other first-time representatives will compete across junior, open and masters categories. Meshach Alexander is entered in the 83kg Junior and Open Classic divisions, while Olsen Batson will contest the corresponding 93kg categories.
Joshua John and Omali Vancooten will both compete in the 93kg Open Classic division, with Seretse King entered at 105kg Open Classic. Kezia Joseph will take part in the women’s 76kg Open Classic competition.
Matthew Maycock, in the 83kg Masters I Classic, and Tremel King, in the 93kg Masters I Classic, complete the group of 10 newcomers.
Among the experienced athletes, Demetri Chan will challenge in the 83kg Open Classic division and Keisha Abrigo in the women’s 76kg Open Classic. Nadina Taharally is entered in the women’s 76kg Masters II category.
Roger Rogers will contest the 120kg Masters II Classic division, Duarte Hetsberger the 83kg Masters I Classic and Bjorn Williams the 105kg Masters I Classic.
The championships are being held under the auspices of the South American Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO). Guyana will compete alongside hosts Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Suriname.
Wilson credited the combined efforts of the athletes, federation and sponsors for making the trip possible. He thanked the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, Industrial Safety Supplies and Space Gym for their confidence in the team, and pledged that the contingent would work to make the nation proud.
Wilson also serves as team manager, with Kerma Singh responsible for coaching. The accompanying referees are Edwin Gordon Spencer, Franklyn Brisport-Luke, Roger Rogers and Andrew Austin.
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