Timaru powerlifter Caleb Campbell has placed 18th overall in the under-74kg class at the 2023 IBF World Classic and Equipped Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships.
Competing in Cluj-Napoca, Romania last week, Campbell recorded a 195kg squat which saw him placed 12th in the squats section of the competition.
He then competed in the bench and lifted 82.5kg, improving on his best competition lift by 2.5kg.
The 18-year-old said the lower back injury (facet joint) he carried into the competition unfortunately played a part on the day.
‘‘We hoped it wouldn’t happen but we did expect it to, as it wasn’t fully healed.
‘‘It affected my top-end strength on the squats and deadlifts.’’
He was not able to achieve the deadlift medal he wanted due to that injury, but still managed the official New Zealand deadlift record, lifting 232.5kg.
This landed him 15th place in the deadlifts.
‘‘I did deadlift 245kg in training before injuring my facet joint, but walking away with the New Zealand record after being injured is still something I’m very happy with.’’
Despite the frustration of injury, Campbell is still looking on the positive side of things.
‘‘Sport can just be like that sometimes and there [are] still many positives to take away from competing at worlds.
‘‘I gained a lot of confidence knowing I could compete on the world stage as well as a lot of knowledge and memories to take back home with me.
‘‘It was a great learning experience that I will forever be grateful for.’’
He will spend a few more days in Romania before returning home to continue his study at the New Zealand Institute of Sport in Christchurch.
