Worlds win sets stage for threepeat

RAISING THE BAR: World champion Trish Muldrock of Kaikohe. PICTURE/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Trish Muldrock successfully defended her title at the World Masters Powerlifting Champs in Colorado earlier this month.

The 60-year-old from Kaikohe won gold in all her lifts in the under 47kg division of the Masters 3 division (for lifters aged 60 years and over) at the 2015 championships held in Aurora from September 28 to October 3.

Her lifts were, 110kg in the squat, 70kg in the bench press and 136 in the deadlift for a 216kg total. While her squat was down from her effort at last year's event in the Czech Republic, Muldrock added another two world records to her very accomplished CV including the personal best in the deadlift, and the total.

The only lifter contesting the 47kg class, Muldrock's efforts also secured her the overall best lifter gold medal in the Masters 3 class.

At 1.52m tall, the diminutive personal trainer admitted she had been nervous heading into the event.

"Never full of confidence before leaving, [as my] training wasn't as good as last year.

Muldrock said she left for the States on Saturday, October 26, arriving the same day before lifting on the Monday. She stayed near the venue to support a couple of other New Zealand powerlifters who were also competing at the event.

She said there wasn't much time for sightseeing, apart from the odd trip to the local supermarket, perhaps evidence of the focus it takes to become a world champion.

"I'm going to have to do it all again next year," she said of her bid to go for three in a row - in what will be her 20th year of lifting non-stop - at her 10th consecutive World Masters Championship campaign next year.

Turning 61 shortly, Muldrock is now planning on heading to the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Vancouver in December to compete in two disciplines over two days, equipped benchpress and the raw lift.

"I'm so fortunate to get really good support from my family and friends and community. It's what drives you really."