A group of Nelson strength athletes travelled to Ōtautahi earlier this month for the Canterbury Powerlifting Association Novice Competition at Nga Puna Wai, returning home with personal bests, a national qualification and a message encouraging others to give lifting a go.
While powerlifting is an individual sport, the Nelson lifters competed as a close-knit group, spending the day coaching, encouraging and celebrating one another through every successful lift and setback.
The competition highlighted what makes grassroots strength sports accessible. Alongside experienced competitors were first-time lifters, rangatahi, Special Olympics athletes, women stepping onto the platform for the first time, and even a competitor in her 80s, proving strength training and powerlifting can be for everyone.
The Nelson contingent produced several standout performances. Tyler White recorded the heaviest lift of the competition with a 250kg deadlift.
Callum Blanche achieved a milestone 100kg bench press personal best, while Amanda Stilwell qualified for the Powerlifting New Zealand National Championships and recorded a 92.5kg bench press personal best.
Sarah Kerby won the under-57kg class after moving down a weight class, recording competition personal bests across all three disciplines, including a 145kg deadlift.
Sarah says the atmosphere was unlike many people’s expectations of strength sports.
"People often imagine powerlifting as intimidating, but novice competitions are the complete opposite. Everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed and the environment is so incredibly supportive – especially for women."
She says one of the biggest highlights was seeing the Nelson group rally around one another throughout the day.
"We had lifters handling attempts, loading plates, calming nerves backstage and cheering every successful lift. Everyone celebrated each other's wins just as much as their own. That's what makes these competitions so special."
Powerlifting continues to grow across New Zealand, with novice competitions providing a welcoming environment for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience the sport.
"Strength sports aren't just for elite athletes. If you've ever thought about giving powerlifting a go, novice competitions are designed to help people build confidence and be part of an incredibly supportive community."
