Alexander Meshach will take the first step in his international powerlifting career today when he represents Guyana in the 83kg Junior division at the 2026 South American Powerlifting Championships in Chile.
The youngest athlete in Guyana’s 17-member squad will compete against lifters from the host nation, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay and Suriname as the country looks to build on a medal haul that already includes two golds.
Meshach is one of 10 first-time international competitors in the Guyanese contingent. Having spent time alongside experienced lifters at the championships, he will now aim to turn that exposure into a strong performance in his first overseas competition.
Joining him today will be Franklyn Brisport-Luke, who returns to the platform after winning Guyana’s first gold medal on Sunday’s opening day.
Brisport-Luke will switch from equipped competition to the classic championships, where he will contest the Masters II class and seek to add to both his personal collection and Guyana’s tally.
He and Navindra Tamasar were the only Guyanese athletes entered in the equipped segment. Tamasar also enjoyed success on his international debut, securing silver medals.
More newcomers will get their opportunity as Guyana’s campaign continues. Matthew Maycock and Olsen Batson are among four athletes scheduled to compete on day six, while four of the five Guyanese lifters due to appear on Saturday are also first-timers.
Maycock will join Duarte Hetsberger in the 83kg Masters I division, with both targeting a contribution to the nation’s medal haul.
Batson will make his international entrance in the 93kg Junior category against opposition from Brazil, Chile and Argentina. The division is expected to be among the more closely contested events.
Demetri Chan completes Guyana’s four-athlete programme for day six. He will contest the 83kg Classic Open division and has also registered for the separate bench press competition.
The championships are organised by the South American Powerlifting Federation, Fesupo, in partnership with the Chilean Federation.
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