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Kaiwaka powerlifter Bernie Hall won gold at the Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC) World Championships in Brazil on October 25, competing in the Master 3 (50-54 years) U100kg class.
Lifting as part of the GPC New Zealand team, Hall took first place with a 260kg deadlift, despite battling illness throughout the competition.
“I’d been feeling a bit wobbly on my feet even after five to six days post jet lag,” Hall said.
“I had all the travel shots for yellow fever, rabies, cholera and malaria, but I think I got covid a few days before the competition. I had a high fever and cough for a few days, but started feeling better after taking my travel antibiotics.”
Despite the health setback and frustration with the Brazilian equipment, Hall still pushed himself hard at the event.
“The deadlift bar had soft knurling and was more stiff than a proper deadlift bar like my Okie (USA bar), so it was hard to hold,” he said.
Hall opened with a successful 260kg lift, before narrowly missing heavier attempts.
“I got 260kg on my first attempt, then tried 282.5kg for the second and got it halfway,” he said. “Then I gave it my all on my third attempt, got it up and locked it out and held it there for three seconds, but put the bar down half a second before the down command. So it didn’t count.
“I tried a fourth attempt but my lower back was pretty smoked by then. I got a bit greedy and hardly lifted the bar. I should have gone for 276kg as the world record was 275kg.”
Hall described the championships as memorable, but chaotic in a carnival-like setting.
“It was a good atmosphere and the Brazilians were very colourful and flamboyant. It was an interesting experience.”
Hall said he was already planning his next challenge.
“If the deadlift world record is still there, I’ll give it another crack next August at the nationals in Te Awamutu.”
