MEDICINE HAT, AB — Powerlifters from British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba competed at Temple Fitness on Saturday for The Grind.
The meet was a part of the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation and it was the 4th year The Grind was held in Medicine Hat.
This was the first year it was Nationals and The Grind was the 45th meet for the federation in Canada.
28 year old, Dorrell Petties-Dahmer, took home the title of best male lifter, best deadlift (705.4 lbs), and best squat (501 lbs). 46 year old, John Giffen, had the best bench with a lift of 485 lbs.
This was Petties-Dahmer’s second ever competition and he was satisfied with his performance.
“I was pretty happy overall. I got a personal best in the squat and deadlift. Took home best male deadlifter, best lifter overall. So, it went a lot better than expected. Just came here with personal goals but I smashed a lot of them,” said Petties-Dahmer.
Petties-Dahmer broke the record with his second lift before smashing his own record on his third.
Going into today he wasn’t feeling his best.
“Honestly, it was feeling heavy in the back to start off but once you get out there in front of the crowd, it makes it a lot easier for me at least to lift, and perform in front of people. Once you get that first one out of the way all the nerves go away and you’re there lifting,” said Petties-Dahmer.
Lisa Szabon-Smith took home the prize of best female lifter. The 36 year old also won best squat (330 lbs), and best bench (176 lbs).
Best female deadlift went to Erin Matheson with a lift of 363 lbs.
Szabon-Smith is at the top of her level and is always competing with herself to get stronger.
“Personal records, world records, they are my own world records,” said Szabon-Smith I’m just chasing myself but that’s what powerlifting is in the end anyways. Just doing your best and whatever happens, happens.”
Szabon-Smith used to be national level bobsleigh competitor and had the opportunity to be a lead runner at 2010 Winter Olympics.
She says both sports workout in similar fashion which made the transition easier.
“The squat I did today is matching what my all time best was with proper form, technique, and everthing as a bobsleigh athlete,” said Szabon-Smith. “So 10 years later I’m happy with that.”
The other big winner of the day was Amanda Forsyth who won The Alan Day Award for the most inspirational bench press.
