2005 IPF World Master Championships
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The 2005 Masters World Powerlifting has held at the Sun Carousel Hotel and Casino, in Pretoria, South Africa, under the direction of meet director, Helgard Coertze. From the time the USA team arrived at the Johannesburg airport, we were met by the representatives of Helgard's staff for the ride to the meet site. After arriving, we were greeted by the hotel staff with a glass of champagne, which most of the members were glad to have. As we prepared to check in, all the rooms were ready for us to move in after paying. This is were the confusion started, as some of the USA lifters didn't follow the directions given by us and came with traveler's checks, and not cash to pay for their rooms. Many had to go into the Casino to exchange, their money to SA Rand, and this was a long process. Needless to say, once again his staff was ready for the mission. All of the USA team stayed either in the hotel of the guest houses which was about 10 minutes away from the meet site. All the rooms were well taken care of, with the hotel rooms having their beds pulled back every night, with chocolate candy put on them nightly. Along with our room fee was a full breakfast, and several tours of the local community. I personally had the chance to take the cultural tour, and even performed a dance with a group of local dancers from the tour. The meet site was held in a ballroom style area, and EVERYTHING was prepared from the first day of arrival. The lifting area was set up in a circular fashion, where it was easy for everyone to see the lifting. A DJ was there during the entire 5 days of lifting, making this meet even more exciting as the lifters could ask for certain music before lifting. The warmup rooms were large enough for all to get prepared for the upcoming lifting, with 4 well equipped platforms, with ER equipment. As the meet got started, the announcers, staff, and everyone involved was ready to put on a great show. And a great show it was. I have to admit, this was one of the BEST prepared Masters World Championships I have ever been involved with, and this was expressed by many in attendance. I will have my work cut out for me next year to out do this event. Before I go any farther, I MUST mention the OUTSTANDING job of the spotters and loaders that were working during this meet. If you wanted a long break between lifting, you had better go elsewhere. For 5 days, this group of 8 guys worked faster, and harder than any spotters that I have ever seen. The turnaround of the bar being loaded from one lifter to the next was 6 seconds. Yes you heard me right, 6 seconds. A Flight of 13 lifters, had their 1st attempts done in less than 10 minutes. Many lifters took almost the full minute for their attempts, because of the speed of the spotters. During the banquet, these guys got a 2 minute standing ovation from the lifters. Maybe I can use them for next year. After the opening ceremony, it was now "showtime". This is where Gina Stepleton and I worried the most. With many "New" lifters on this years World team, we were in a panic as to how they would perform on the big stage. Gina did and outstanding job of assigning many lifters to jobs in the warmup rooms, helping getting everyone prepared for the lifting. EVERYONE did more than their share of work, and no one was without some support. I must say, that this year's team worked closer with each other that I have ever seen before. From the lifters, to the wives and family members who came along to support their loved ones, a great THANK YOU. You made our jobs so much easier. When you say that this was a family of lifters, you are totally correct. "WE ARE FAMILY". WOMENS MASTERS I We got our first scare of the meet, when many times Masters team member Diane Siveny, was unable to get a benchpress passed in the 123 M1 class. Diane still walked away with the gold medal in the squat, and deadlift, as you are able to finish a meet after being disqualified, for individual awards. But taking up the slack was one of the best and most respected lifters on our team, Kate Dingle-Craig. Kate was selected as an alternate on the team, and a great selection she was, as she went back to Alaska, with a WORLD Title to had the Iron Maidens collection. Kate celebrated her win by having a cigar with Robb Grisham during the banquet. In the 132 LB class, Angela Simons, once again had balance problems, and couldn't get the lifts she needed to take the gold. Even on a bad day, her bench is the best, as she got a gold in this lift, and a 2nd place silver medal overall. The hardest working person on this team was no other than Gina Stepleton. Gina was, and is the backbone of this teams preparation for this trip. Every lifter was kept informed of all changes, and anything involved with making this trip a success. I cant count the number of emails she sent out to everyone whenever there was any changes, or whatever was asked of the lifters, she had the answers. And guess what, she was also lifting. After finishing up in 6th place, she took off her deadlift suit, and started keeping stats and coaching the team for the remainder of the week. She had her little corner on the scoring area, and no one took her spot during the meet. 4 days on your feet, and never missing a beat, was outstanding. The REAL coach of this year's team. I have known Paula Houston for many years now, and this was the first time I have seen her worried about making weight. Paula, it comes with age. After having a hard time losing 3 lbs, she did it, and was now ready to defend her title. Paula is the true champion, and all her lifts are done with perfection. Something must be right, as she made a clean sweep of the gold medals in the 148 lb class. Ruth Welding was another lifter who had many duties given to her at this event. When she wasn't coming in second to Paula, she was in the warmup room helping, and even on the platform as an official and on the jury table. Ruth has been with us for many years, and was one of the First inductees into the USAPL Womens Hall of Fame. She is also a pleasure to have around, as she always find a way to bring a smile to any situation. We had two "new " lifters in the 165 lb class, and they were both fun to watch lift, and to be around. Lynne Nelson surprised everyone at the Women Nationals, winning both the Open and Masters divisions. This is one lady to look out for in the future. Once she gets her techniques down, we are going to see her on the gold medal stand for years to come. Her 3rd place finish was cemented with a gold medal deadlift of 200 kgs. Don't count out Laura Styrlung on the gold medal stand either. This lady has the power, and determination to be on top. She came in 4th, just 5 kilos behind, Lynne, but got the bronze in the squat, gold in the bench, and bronze in the deadlift. I will be looking forward to watching this matchup in the Women Nationals in Denver. Erlina Pecante, from the Philippines came in with some great numbers in the 181 lb class, and had everyone jumping classes. We also made that move with Malinda Baum, moving her up to the 181 lb class. A good move it was, as she went on the capture 2nd in this class, and gave us valuable team points. She got silver medals across the board, and just barely missed a PR deadlift for the gold. Malinda, is a certified EMT, who really came in handy for us, as a team member was really ill, and she assisted in the medical room with him for over 2 hours. She was also with us everyday, when not lifting, either loading weight in the warmup room, and just out there doing whatever was needed of the team. Another long team member is Sue Hallen. Another World title. This is one lady who also gives so much to this sport, and others. She is just a quiet giver, who loves this sport, and the people with it. Always an honor to have her on the team, as she gives 110% to help the lifters and anyone involved. Making a clean sweep of all that gold wasn't bad either. MORE Meet Report to Follow! |
Contest Photos
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