POWERLIFTING
JAKE BELESKI
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Star powerlifter Kata Mackenzie broke four New Zealand records and two Oceania records at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships in Calgary, Canada.
As well as breaking a host of records, Mackenzie finished third in the squat for the sub junior 72kg category, and fifth overall.
She completed a squat of 145kg, a bench press of 70kg, and a deadlift of 147.5kg, giving her a total score of 362.5kg.
The Wairarapa College pupil had only been powerlifting for just over a year, and said she was thrilled with her results.
“I’m pretty happy, especially with my squat.
“Everyone else did really well too, and did way better than they thought they would.”
Mackenzie was training about five times a week before the competition, and her dedication and determination paid off on the biggest stage.
She also had time for some tourist activities in Canada, and said it was an impressive place.
“We got to see a lot of the country as well which was pretty cool.
“It was quite similar to New Zealand with a lot of nature and that sort of thing.”
She was the fifth person from Wai Weight Gym in Masterton to attend the world championships.
Her next event will be the Powerlifting Nationals in August, and then she will make a decision on what she wants to do next, which could involve trying some other sports.
Her powerlifting exploits over the past year also saw her named Youth Sports Personality of the Year at Wednesday night’s Times-Age Sports Awards, a thoroughly deserved achievement after such a successful year.
“It was pretty cool to get the award,” she said.
“Everyone else was really deserving as well.”
Mackenzie won the award after breaking all the powerlifting records in New Zealand for her category and making it to the world championships.
She had been named best overall sub junior lifter at last year’s New Zealand Nationals and was ranked 42nd overall in New Zealand’s strongest women, across all weight and age classes.
She had set national records in squat, bench and deadlift in her category, as well as the total overall record.
