With a grip and a grimace, men and women tested their limits during the New Zealand Masters Games Powerlifting event.
At Propel Fitness on Sunday, both novices and experienced athletes proved their mettle in the powerlifiting (squat, bench and deadlift), push ’n’ pull (bench and deadlift) and single bench press events.
The competition had a minimum age of 40, and there were five-year age group increments until the 80-plus category.
Men and women from across the country as well as overseas visitors worked hard to reach a new personal best, or simply experience the thrill of their first powerlifting competition.
Best woman overall in powerlifting was Philippa MacManus, of Richmond.
Equal best men overall in powerlifting were Anthony Magilsen, of Auckland, and Steve Varga, of Dunedin.
Avila Allsop, of Auckland, was best woman overall in the push ’n’ pull.
Bill Boyd, of Ascot, Australia, was best man overall in the push ’n’ pull.
In the bench press, equal best men overall were Bradley Taylor and Brendan Taylor, both of Dunedin, and best woman overall was Naomi Whyte, of Waikuku.
SIMON.HENDERSON @thestar.co.nz
