Use your status to influence other athletes

…Minister Anthony urges Morgan during courtesy call

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony on Monday urged Guyana’s multiple powerlifting gold medalists Randolph Morgan to use his status now as a world champion to influence other athletes.
The Minister’s appeal came during a courtesy call by Morgan at his Main Street office.
“I hope that you will use your status now as a world champion and influence other athletes to get them more involved in the sport because powerlifting is a sport we have demonstrated we could do well in and we need to bring more people to the sport,” Dr. Anthony said.
Morgan was sensational at the World Powerlifting Championships that was held in Puerto Rico earlier this month where he placed eighth overall but dead lifted 330 (727.65lbs) kilogrammes to win gold in the 83kg category.
With the 83kg Category attracting over 24 of the world’s best lifters, it was always going to be tough, but Morgan managed to dominate Group B, featuring the lifters ranked 12th to 24th.
Although putting in decent efforts in the squat and the bench press, it was not until the deadlift when he smashed his national and Caribbean record of 322.5kgs. His final deadlift effort of 330kgs was good enough to clinch Guyana’s first World Open individual gold medal.
Anthony told the media and the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) contingent that Guyana is proud of Morgan’s achievements.
“I just want to say that on behalf of the government and the ministry, we are indeed very proud of your achievements,” Anthony indicated.
According to Dr. Anthony, Powerlifting is making a name, not only for this country but also putting the Caribbean on the front burner.
“Just in a few short years ago, I don’t think Powerlifting in Guyana and the Caribbean would have done so well but the kind of athletes we have been producing, they really put us on the world map,” Dr Anthony pointed out.
President of the GAPF, Peter Green, said he is extremely delighted that the Federation’s goals and plans implemented in 2008 under his leadership are bearing fruit, with lifters Winston Stoby, Morgan, Edwards and Dawn Barker leading the way at the world level.
The GAPF president believes that Morgan’s performance will motivate others to get involved in the sport.
In his brief response, Morgan said that it’s an honour to represent Guyana, adding that “it’s very rare you get the opportunity to represent your country at this level, so I am very privileged to be that fortunate”.