In a display of dominance and sheer tenacity, Scott Jennings and Sami DePass retained their national titles in the male and female categories, respectively, as the National Powerlifting Association of Jamaica Limited (NPAJ) celebrated its third anniversary by hosting the highly anticipated 2023 National Powerlifting Championships at the prestigious AC Hotel Kingston on Sunday, December 10.
This dynamic event not only showcased the exceptional skills and resilience of powerlifters, but also marked a significant milestone in the history of NPAJ, exemplifying the organization’s three-year dedication to nurturing a community of committed athletes and enthusiasts who share a profound passion for powerlifting.
Jennings secured his position as the defending male champion for the third consecutive year, adding the 2023 title to his impressive collection from 2021 and 2022.
DePass, an undeniable powerhouse, mirrored Jennings’ feat by securing her third consecutive title as the defending female champion for 2021, 2022, and now 2023. The highlight of the night occurred when DePass was crowned the top athlete overall, dethroning the two-time overall champion, Scott Jennings.
DePass’s remarkable achievements extend beyond the national stage. She holds the number one ranking in Jamaica overall on GL Points, showcasing her unmatched prowess. Furthermore, in the NAPF, she holds the top spot in the 76kg. Globally, she is ranked 11th in the IPF by females on GL Points.
Deidre Lewis wins 57kg class
Deidre Lewis, a newcomer to the National Championships, emerged as the champion in the 57kg class. Her outstanding performance included scores of 87.5/52.5/125, totaling 265kg with a GLP of 65.23. Lewis not only secured the top spot but also set new records for squat, bench press, deadlift, and total scores within the class. These achievements surpassed the previous records held by Antonette Sinclair in 2021.
Simona Mahfouz successfully defended her 63kg class title with impressive scores of 142.5/70/150, totaling 362.5kg and achieving a GLP of 79.39. Mahfouz broke her squat records, setting new marks and maintaining her dominance in the class since 2022.
Dian Palmer, a junior athlete, and newcomer to the National Championship, secured the second position in the 63kg class with scores of 81/32.5/107.5, totaling 221kg with a GLP of 49.56.
Shrona Scott emerged as the champion in the 69kg class, showcasing remarkable improvement from her third-place finish in 2022. Scott scored 113/67.5/156, totaling 336.5kg with a GPL of 71.08. She not only secured the top spot but also set new records for bench press, deadlift, and total scores within the class.
Cheyenne Campbell claimed the second position with a score of 129.5/50/155, totaling 334.5kg and achieving a GPL of 69.64.
Ayana Duhaney successfully defends 84kg class title
DePass retained her 76kg class title with exceptional scores of 202.5/115/225, totaling 542.5kg and achieving an impressive GPL of 107.36. DePass broke the squat, bench press, deadlift, and total score records within the class, which were previously set in 2022.
Chevaneese Powell secured the second position with scores of 161.5/65/160, totaling 386.5kg with a GPL of 77.50. Newcomer Kishon Green claimed the third position with scores of 154/66/150, totaling 370kg and achieving a GPL of 73.84.
Ayana Duhaney successfully defended her 84kg class title, setting new records for squats, bench press, deadlift, and total scores within the class. Duhaney scored 161/79/190.5, totaling 430.5kg with a GPL of 82.38. She had previously held records for squats, bench press, and total scores, with the deadlift record held by Tesi Scott since 2022.
Scott secured the second position with scores of 147.5/63.5/185, totaling 396kg and achieving a GPL of 75.58. Scott achieved personal bests for all her lifts.
Tashian Wallace, a newcomer to the National Championship, was crowned champion in the 84+kg class. Wallace set new records for squats, bench press, deadlifts, and total scores within the class with scores of 169/70/180, totaling 419kg with a GPL of 78.09.
Corey Taylor, another newcomer, made an impactful debut in the 57kg class, clinching the championship with scores of 157.5/95/200, totaling an impressive 452.5kg and a GPL of 70.99. Taylor not only secured the title but also set new records for squat, bench press, deadlift, and total scores within the class.
Junior athlete Joshua Ivey cops 74kg class honors
In the 74kg class, another newcomer and junior athlete, Joshua Ivey, secured the championship with scores of 190/120/240, totaling 550kg and achieving a GPL of 81.26. Ivey established new records for squat, bench press, deadlift, and total scores within the class. Robert Williams, a Masters 3 athlete, and a newcomer, finished second in the 74kg class with scores of 142.5/60/200, totalling 402.5kg, and a GPL of 61.15.
Gary Adamson, a newcomer to the National Championship, claimed the title in the 83kg class with scores of 200/150/270, totalling an impressive 620kg and a GPL of 86.62. Nathan Dawkins secured the second position with scores of 205/127.5/260, totalling 592.5kg, and a GPL of 83.35, while Giovanni Land finished third with scores of 222.5/132.5/227.5, totalling 582.5kg and a GPL of 82.58. Notably, all records for this class had been held by Scott Jennings since 2022.
Former champion Jennings, who previously held records in the 83kg class, moved up to the 93kg class. Jennings dominated the competition with scores of 270/185/322.5, totalling 777.5kg and achieving a GPL of 103.59. Jennings set new records for squats, deadlifts, and total scores within the 93kg class.
Roxroy Campbell, third in 2022, secured the second position with scores of 243/138.5/286, totalling 667.5kg, and a GPL of 89.33. Mervin Barrett, fourth in 2022, finished third with scores of 217.5/120.5/246.5, totalling 584.5kg, and a GPL of 80.33.
Jonhoi Vaughn successfully retained his 105kg class title with scores of 270/190/300, totalling 760kg, and a GPL of 95.83. Vaughn broke records for squats, bench press, and total scores that he held since 2022. Staffon Commock, second in 2022, secured the second position with scores of 218/166/318, totalling 702kg, and a GPL of 88.94. Commock set a new record for the deadlift, which he held since 2022.
Desmond Thompson retains 120+kg class title
Newcomer Elvis Bamberry finished third in the 105kg class with scores of 215/145/236, totalling 596kg, and a GPL of 74.45. Darren Thomas claimed the championship for the 120kg class, after finishing third in 2022. Thomas scored 205/135/255, totalling 595kg with a GPL of 70.31. All records for this class have been held by S Karim Bryan since 2022.
Desmond Thompson successfully retained his 120+kg class title with scores of 280/188.5/326.5, totalling 795kg, and a GPL of 88.50. Thompson broke records for squats, bench press, deadlift, and total scores within the 120+kg class, setting new standards for excellence. Newcomer Bruce Higgins secured the second position in the 120+kg class with scores of 280/183/300, totalling 763kg, and a GPL of 80.36.
This year’s championships exceeded all expectations, earning acclaim from fans, athletes, officials, and sponsors alike. The new venue at the AC Hotel Kingston created an electrifying atmosphere, with approximately 232 passionate fans cheering fervently for their favorite athletes.
A total of 26 athletes, including 11 females and 15 males, displayed their prowess on the platform, representing an increase from the 24 athletes in the 2022 championships. Notably, 12 newcomers, comprising 4 females and 8 males, made their debut in the championship, injecting fresh talent and enthusiasm into the competition.
The participants included two outstanding junior athletes, Dian Palmer, and Joshua Ivey, aged between 19 and 23 years, exemplifying the promising future of powerlifting. Additionally, the presence of Robert Williams, a Master’s 3 athlete aged between 60 and 69, added a touch of experience and resilience to the competition.
The day witnessed an astonishing 32 records being broken out of 44, with 8 new records established. Females claimed 21 records, while males secured 19. The display of strength and skill left spectators in awe as powerlifters pushed their limits to achieve new milestones.
