Belizean Powerlifters to Compete in North American Championships in Cayman Islands

Powerlifting is a sport that tests strength and technique. Eighteen Belizeans under twenty-one will be going to the Cayman Islands in August to compete in the North American championships. A sport such as this one requires hours of training that can take a toll on the body. Khalid Usher, president of the Belize Powerlifting Association explained what it is to be a powerlifter and that anyone can take on the sport, all it requires is determination. 

Khalid Usher, President, Belize Powerlifting Association: “We focus on the squat bench and deadlift basically who’s stronger than who. A majority of the team are women so again that’s exciting. A lot of these people competing are under the age of 21. We have four, we actually have five sub-juniors competing this year. That’s people under the age of 18 and we have a healthy masters and open team also. Finding confidence in strength is a big thing, is a huge thing for a lot of people who seek the sport but Belize is a major threat. I’d say the most complicated thing for Belizean athletes is actually getting there. Once we get there, we’re always good.”

Since the majority of the eighteen going to compete are females, we spoke to a competitor, Amorette Banman who mentioned that this sport is a major confidence booster.  

Amorette Banman, Powerlifter: “It’s been really intense. You’re training on a daily basis for a lot of time. You’re lifting heavy. The recovery is pretty slow too, but it’s really nice. I guess I’m very competitive and when I see the men lifting, I’m like, damn I want to do that or I want to do more. So I guess it helps me. The confidence boost because I lacked a lot of self-confidence before I was doing this so then training like this lifting heavy being able to eat and feel my body has helped me a lot.”

Both males and females will take on this challenge in August in hopes of bringing a win in the name of Belize.