The BVI Powerlifting and Fitness Association competed in Miami on Oct. 7-8 during the sixth annual IPF/NAPF North American Regional Bench Press Championships.
The four-man delegation brought home eight medals and three trophies, including a third place overall victory. The United States and Puerto Rico took first and second place respectively.
The Best Bench Press award went to Shevon Reefe, who pushed 402 pounds, unequipped. He walked away with three medals — two gold and a silver.
He had only trained three times before the competition, but was confident that the VI?would do well.
“The only way they can beat us is with the bench shirts,” Mr. Reefe said. “We are very strong.”
Eight countries took part in the tournament, with more than 100 athletes competing.
BVIPFA President Steve George said the tournament gave the VI athletes much needed experience for upcoming events. He added that the tournament served as a qualifier to bigger tournaments that could give the VI lifters an opportunity to compete in the Olympics.
“We expected to do well, especially in the unequipped category,” Mr. George said. “[People] were really amazed with how much weight they pushed.”
Danley Anderson and Naval Richards were the two other athletes representing the VI.
Mr. Richards won two gold medals and a silver.
Mr. Anderson won a gold and a bronze medal.
The team was accompanined by Ron Cline.
The BVILFA will host its strong man competition on Nov. 20 on Beef Island. The association’s next international event will be in Guyana during the first week of March.
The VI is scheduled to host the IPF/NAPF/FESUPO Pan-American and North American Bench Press Championships in Nov. 2014.
“We look forward to returning to the BVI,” said North American Powerlifting Federation Secretary General Robert Keller.