MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Status of Forces Agreement members and Japanese off-base residents competed in the 2011 Far East Powerlifting Championship at the IronWorks Gym here Sunday.
Competitors performed three types of lifts, a squat, a bench press and a deadlift.
The event consisted of multiple weight classes and also a separate male and female competition.
Shelly D. Bothwell Jr., a powerlifting championship competitor, was the overall male winner of the competition.
“The competitors did well,” said Bothwell. “I plan on continuing to compete in events like this in the future.”
Due to the competative nature of powerlifting, the contestants pride themselve on being the best and push themselves and other competitors to do the best they can.
It’s all about the competition and inviting more people to come out and see just what they can accomplish, said Bothwell.
Open to both males and females, the powerlifting event kicked off with each male and female placed in their respective weight classes.
Sayaka Takabayashi, a powerlifting champion competitor, won first place overall female competitors - while on an injured foot.
“The foot injury didn’t really bother me too much with the lifting,” said Takabayashi.
Takabayashi even went for a new gym record for her deadlift. The previous record was 231 pounds, which she broke by six pounds with a new record of 237 pounds.
Setting a new gym record, Takabayashi said she felt great and that accomplishing a new record was unexpected.
Powerlifting is an ever-growing sport. There are many factors which go into the sport such as wraps, grip, competition, the way which a participant feels and even their own personal styles.
Lifters were given three attempts during each event and were rated for their heaviest lift.
There were three judges on each side of the participant and one right in front in order to make sure the requirements for a complete lift or squat were met. Requirements included locked out arms and knees, hips went below the participant’s knees, or full extension and other requirements.
As the rules were explained, the main judge, Abe J. Roman, said competitors would have quite a bit of freedom in their techniques.
By performing each event, competitors worked out different areas of their bodies, said Roman.
Due to different weight classes and physical abilities, competitors were able to compete fairly.
“There are a total of ten weight classes for males and six for females” said Roman.
Everyone is welcome to come out to these events and try their best in their own class.
Anyone may challenge themselves to see just how far they can go, said Roman.
Powerlifting can be for anyone. There are no height or weight requirements in a powerlifting event. The only thing that matters is how hard someone trains and their individual drive.
“Powerlifting helps motivate Marines,” said Roman. “It always shows progress so you can easily see growth.”
The next bench press competition is scheduled for March.