The Eastern division made a statement win over the defending champions, the West, in the Fiji Powerlifting Federation’s East versus West showdown held at the Rabuka Gym in Suva on Saturday.
After losing last year, the East came back stronger this year, sweeping the competition with 13 gold medals to the West’s four.
The meet featured a total of 32 lifters, 28 men and 4 women ranging in age from 16 to 41, all competing for the annual East v West trophy.
“As expected, Susana brought her best and won her division, as well as the Overall Women’s Gold,” said Fiji Powerlifting Federation president Ryan Bale.
Susana Qionibaravi dominated the women’s 84kilograms category.
But the most closely watched contest came in the men’s 120kg division, where junior lifter Aiyaz Ali pulled off a narrow win against seasoned competitor Gardiner Whiteside.
“Aiyaz managed to pull through with the win by putting up an 810kg total against the veteran Gardiner’s 805kg total; a very close battle indeed.”
Bale said the energy in the gym lifted as the lifters pushed for their final attempts, cheered on by a strong crowd.
“Also, we had a good turnout, with at least 106 in attendance. The final attempts especially had the atmosphere electric with excitement
“Overall, I’m happy with the turnout and the future definitely looks bright for Fiji Powerlifting,” he added.
The East v West showdown is the second major event on the Fiji Powerlifting Federation’s annual calendar and it has now become a regular fixture, one that promises even more intensity next year.
