Multi-talented powerlifting mother aiming to set international stage alight
Jun 22, 2017 , http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....tional-stage-alight/
By Franklin Wilson
Dawn Barker and Kimberly Mars are two of the well known athletes in Guyana’s powerlifting annals, but silently powering her way to similar splendour is the multi-talented Nadina Taharally who has also excelled in bodybuilding.
The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Senior Nationals Un-equipped Overall champion, Intermediate Overall champ and Masters Overall winner, 2016 is presently getting into tip top shape ahead of next month’s 16th Annual NAPF/FESUPO Pan-American Powerlifting Championships; 15th Annual NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships and 32nd Annual FESUPO South American Powerlifting Championships in Orlando, Florida, USA.
A mere three years experience in the sport has already seen encouraging dividends for the 44-year-old mother of two who will make her international debut next month and is confident of medaling in the 72kg Masters 1 (40+) and Open divisions.
A member of the Interline Fitness Gym (West Bank Demerara) who is also employed at this gym as a Trainer, Taharally has shown that age is just a number as she is committed to following a healthy lifestyle whilst training hard in order to enjoy the best of health and life even in a competitive world.
She placed third in the first Fitness Challenge held in Guyana last year and prior to this she has won multiple titles in bodybuilding, Physique Best Legs and Bikini included.
Now, Taharally has made the switch to powerlifting which was not hard since it is another of the three weights sports, weightlifting, the other.
Currently training at Buddy’s Gym, Taharally has indicated that she is confident of medaling in Florida next month when the championships are held between July 3 – 8 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Orlando International Airport.
Whilst focusing on her quest to medal as an individual athlete, Taharally said that she is also confident Team Guyana will do well.
“Training has been tough but going well and I am very confident of medaling. I think the team will also do well as the spirit and camaraderie is high and once funding comes through, the contingent would be large which means our chances of doing well overall would be high.”
Taharally also proffered the view that the debutants on the team as well as the not too experienced athletes are all in good hands with a number of experienced warriors on board the likes of Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby and ‘Big’ John Edwards to name a few.
Sponsorship has always been a bugbear for athletes and Taharally, like her other colleagues, has been out and about seeking assistance in order to make the trip since the GAPF does not have the means to fund the 22-member contingent.
To date, she has received sponsorship from Sterling Products and the Maritime Administration. Any company or individual wishing to assist Taharally can do so by contacting her on telephone #s 592-644-1868 or 667-3849.
Based on preliminary nominations as of May 8, 2017, Taharally will compete against 8 other opponents from Trinidad and Tobago (2), Puerto Rico (3), Canada and Ecuador in the Raw Classic division.
In the Masters 1 40+ Raw Classic, it will be a straight battle against a Puerto Rican with the Guyanese strongwoman ahead in each of the lifts and total based on their respective best lifts.