Tonnes of heavy metal moved as National Powerlifting champs hit Whangārei

Kerikeri lifter Stephen Pickles strains on his way to winning the Masters3 under 74kg section of the National Classic Powerlifting Championships.

There was some serious metal shifted when the National Classic Powerlifting Championships were held in Whangārei.

Almost 230 powerlifters from around the country descended on Forum North from last Thursday to Sunday. The Northland Powerlifting Association hosted the event, which is the largest national classic championships held in the county.

Northland was well represented in the competition, with several entrants winning their weight categories.

Kaitaia competitor Samantha Thoumine looks ahead as she lifts the bar at Forum North. Thoumine came second in the sub-juniors under 63kg section with a lift of 90kg.

In the men's section, Whangārei's Joe Whittaker won the 120+kg category and was also named best lifter in the Open section for his lift of 130.8kg; Abbott Lee, on the under 105kg Masters1 section with a total of 245kg, was also named best Masters lifter; and Kerikeri's Stephen Pickles won the Masters3 under 74kg section with a lift of 155kg.

Kaitaia's Ngahine Lum at the National Classic Powerlifting Championships.

In the women's section, Kerikeri's Trish Muldrock won the Masters3 under 47kg section with a total of 247.5kg and was also named the best lifter at Masters3.

Whangārei's Margaret Lindsay is all concentration as she competes in the National Classic Powerlifting Championships, and winning the Masters2 under 63kg section.

Whangārei's Margaret Lindsay won the Masters2 under 63kg category with a total of 300.22kg. Northland also took out the Masters2 and Masters3 women's points section. Taari Murray won the Masters1 84+kg section with 145kg.

Whangārei lifter Bryan Barrett lifted 180kg to come second in the Masters3 under 93kg section at the championships.

Further information and results about the National Classic Powerlifting Championships can be found on the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/classicnationals2018

Northern Advocate photographer John Stone went along to watch the barbells bend.

Kerikeri's Trish Muldrock makes her lift at the National Classic Powerlifting Championships on her way to taking out the Masters3 under 47kg section at the National Classic Powerlifting Championships.