New Zealand powerlifter Evie Corrigan has broken two world records to win gold at the 2018 World Classic Powerlifting Championships
New Zealand powerlifter Evie Corrington Photo: International Powerlifting Federation
The aim of the game is to lift the heaviest and weighing in at 51.8kgs, Christchurch-born powerlifter Evie Corrigan has broken two world records in the junior women's event winning top honours.
The 22-year-old competed in three separate lifts: the squat, bench and deadlift setting two junior world records in the squat as well as her total of 385.5kg which covered all three disciplines.
Japanese lifter Shoko Onishi was the first to surpass the world squat record at 140kgs, but celebrations were interrupted when the unassuming Corrigan took to the stage. With a personal best of 132.5kgs the Kiwi lifted 140.5kgs - a lift Onishi was unable beat.
"I didn't expect to break the record because the Japanese lifter actually put in a nominated squat of 150 which means that's what she's lifted before." says Corrigan
"she couldn't pull it out on the day which is crazy and amazing for me."
NZ powerlifter Evie Corrington winning the U52kg division at World championships Photo: International Powerlifting Federation
Corrigan was part of a 23-person New Zealand contingent that travelled to Canada to compete at the highest international level of powerlifting and was joined by fellow teammate Shehnaz Hussain who finished ninth in the same under-52kg division.
The IPF is renowned as the most prestigious drug-tested federation and is a prime candidate for future Olympic affiliation although powerlifting itself is not an Olympic sport.
Powerlifting concentrates on the squat, bench and deadlift disciplines as opposed to the Olympic sport weightlifting which focuses on the snatch and the clean and jerk.
After only competing for two years, this was Corrigan's first international campaign and is still reeling at the fact that her five days a week training regime as well as her job as a nanny and studying at Massey University has paid off the best way possible.
"People don't expect females to be strong especially small females but I kind of love to prove them wrong." says Corrigan.
"The sport is becoming more popular especially among women in Auckland - it's great to feel powerful and show people what you can do."
Corrigan hopes to compete for New Zealand again in the more competitive open division in future.
- RNZ
