Belizean Powerlifters Win Medals at Pan-American Championships

Two Belizean power lifters have returned home with medals from the 19th Pan-American / 22nd Annual NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships. Alida Sharp and Joylynne Burgess Smith represented the country at the event, held in the Cayman Islands from July 27 to August 2. After being down with an injury, Sharp returned to the sport to secure a gold medal in the competition, while Burgess Smith secured a bronze in deadlifting. We spoke with the President of the Belize Powerlifting Association, Khalid Usher, who says that Belize has been making an impression on the international stage for years. Burgess Smith told our newsroom that competing at such a high level motivates her to push herself even harder. 

Belize is poised to host the event next year, which will see over 400 power lifters from other countries visit Belize for the competition.