Power lifter John Edwards, aka Big John was placed third in the heavyweight division and gave Guyana its first medal (Bronze) at the 2011 World Masters Championship which was held in Canada from September 26 – October .
Guyana’s first medalist at the World Masters Championship, John Edwards, with his three bronze medals
Edwards is originally from Berbice and has been in power lifting for more than 20 years. He is one of Guyana’s most decorated power lifters, medaling in every championship he has taken part in.
According to the champion power lifter, he won the Senior National Heavyweight Championship for about 10 to 15 years running. He said his first overseas title was won in 2008 when he captured two golds at the North American Regional in Aruba where he won the men’s open and 125 kg. In 2009, he represented Guyana in St. Thomas and won the men’s open and the masters.
Also in 2009, he won two golds at the Pan American Championship. In 2010 when Guyana hosted the Caribbean Championship Big John won two golds and the Masters Overall Power lifter title.
In 2011 he went to the Cayman Island and won two Golds, then went to the World Masters Championship, won two Bronze medals and placed third overall, which got him another bronze.
Edwards said his major challenge was to overcome injuries from two motorcycle accidents, which left him immobile for over a year. He made mention of the time when he went to the gym using crutches, adding that his foot is still partly deformed.
His goals for next year are to win the Caribbean Championship, the South American Championship and the World Championship in Texas, U. S. A.
Edwards said he would like to see more sponsors come on board for power lifting since attending overseas championships is an expensive undertaking.
He alluded to the fact that Guyana only manages to send about four or five power lifters to compete against full-fledged teams and still manages to medal, adding that if power lifters are properly financed, more of them can represent Guyana and come out on top. He stressed that Guyanese are very strong people and even though they do not have all the high-tech training equipment, they have managed to be successful.
He said that the power lifting world recognises the strength and ability of Guyana’s power lifters and respect them.
When asked about his advice to young aspiring power lifters, the champion power lifter said that if their hearts are into the sport they should go forward with it and do not get caught up in all the supplements they are bombarded with these days. He added that supplements cannot replace healthy diets and youths need to eat properly, get enough rest, stay away from drugs and alcohol, exercise regularly and be focused.
Edwards concluded by thanking his mother for giving him confidence, his wife for being understanding and supportive, and the president of the Guyana Power lifting Association (Peter Green) for his dedication. He said Mr. Green has given his life to power lifting and got it to where it is today.
Edwards was the sole power lifter to represent Guyana at the 2011 World Masters Championship, since the Guyana Power lifting Associations receive visas for other lifters until after the championship was over.
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