In a powerful display of strength, resilience, and determination, the National Powerlifting Association of Jamaica (NPAJ) recently brought home 15 medals at the 21st Annual IPF/NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Despite facing challenges, including travel disruptions from tropical storm Debby, the Jamaica Spartans stood tall, demonstrating Jamaica’s growing dominance in the international powerlifting arena. With standout performances across multiple weight classes, the team secured their place as a rising force in the sport.
This marked the third consecutive year of Jamaica’s involvement in this prestigious regional event, and NPAJ officials have hailed it as a resounding success. Despite a late setback with their captain, Jevon DaCosta, being grounded due to tropical storm Debby, the remaining athletes pressed on. Led by NPAJ Technical Director Jeremy Owen and Assistant Senior Head Coach Clifton Lee, the 13-member team, a mix of six women and seven men, demonstrated their prowess and secured a total of 15 medals.
Among the standout performances were Anna-Kay Brown, Sami DePass, Scott Jennings, and Bruce Higgins, each contributing to Jamaica’s impressive medal haul. The athletes’ achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the NPAJ and the growing prominence of powerlifting in Jamaica.
Standout lifts
One of the highlights was newcomer Mikhail Russell’s debut in the highly competitive men’s 74kg class on Tuesday, August 5. Russell lifted a total of 460kg with standout lifts including a 165kg squat, 107.5kg bench press, and 187.5kg deadlift. His efforts earned him an eighth-place finish with 68.11 IPF GL points, signaling a promising start to his powerlifting career.
Cheyenne Campbell, also making her international debut, competed in the women’s 69kg weight class on Wednesday, August 6. With an impressive total of 335kg, including a 122.5kg squat and a 162.5kg deadlift, Campbell earned a sixth-place finish and 69.66 IPF GL points, marking her as a promising talent in the sport. In the same category, Shrona Scott, who took on the role of acting team captain, placed seventh with a total of 325kg. Scott’s leadership and performance underscored her potential as both a competitor and a leader.
Defending champion Sami DePass continued to assert her dominance in the women’s 74kg weight class, retaining her title with an extraordinary total of 580.5kg. Her lifts included 215kg in the squat, 123kg in the bench press, and a staggering 242.5kg in the deadlift. DePass’ outstanding performance earned her four gold medals, solidifying her position as a powerhouse in the sport.
Other notable performances came from newcomers such as Alexander Carrington, who placed fifth in the men’s 84kg class with a total of 637.5kg, and Nathan Dawkins, who followed closely behind with a sixth-place finish and a total lift of 615kg. These athletes, along with others, exemplified the depth of talent within the Jamaica Spartans team.
Stellar performances
Thursday, August 7, saw more stellar performances, with newcomer Anna-Kay Brown securing third place in the women’s 84kg (Junior) weight class. Brown’s efforts earned her a bronze medal in each lift, bringing home a total of 400kg. Ayana Duhaney also made an impact, placing fifth with a 445kg total in the women’s 84kg class, while Tzari Saunders finished seventh with a 372.5kg total.
On the men’s side, Scott Jennings, a former NAPF regional champion in the 83kg class, returned to competition in the 93kg weight class, securing third place with a total of 755kg. His impressive lifts earned him a silver and two bronze medals, showcasing his continued excellence in the sport.
The competition concluded with strong performances from the men in the 105kg, 120kg, and 120+kg weight classes. Notably, Bruce Higgins earned third place overall in the 120+kg class, with an outstanding total of 817.5kg, capped off by a silver in the squat and bronze medals in the bench press, deadlift, and overall placement.
The NPAJ’s impressive medal haul at the championships signals a new era for Jamaican powerlifting. As the organization continues to foster and develop talent, the achievements in Scottsdale will serve as a cornerstone for future success on the international stage.
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