Last weekend concluded the final day of the 2017 World Masters Games. This year marked the ninth games, and they were held in Auckland, New Zealand. The weightlifting event took place from April 22-29th. There wasn’t a lot of coverage on this event, but the USA’s Masters team performed exceptionally well in each age group and weight category.
If you didn’t know, the World Masters Game’s weightlifting competition also acts as the IWF’s Masters Weightlifting Championships. Athletes are required to follow the IWF’s guidelines and qualify with corresponding totals to their age and weight group.
Check out the final medal totals below from the week long event.
- Total Medals: 54
- Gold Medals: 18
- Silver Medals: 19
- Bronze Medals: 17
In addition to the medals, USA’s team also set multiple records in a variety of weight classes and age groups.
- Masters Games Records: 55
- World Records: 21
[If you’d like to see the full list of USA’s competitors and results from all eight days of competition, then check out this link.]
If you’re looking for a specific age group, competitor, or broken record, then check out the full schedule shared below.
Image courtesy of worldmastersgames2017.co.nz.
Below are a few highlights that have been shared thus far by the World Masters Games organization about athletes that were in attendance.
One of the many golds brought home by the USA was from 35 year old Kristi Brewer who won her 63kg weight class. She edged out fellow USA competitor Gwendolyn Sisto who finished with silver. Brewer ended up setting the 35-39 year old clean & jerk IWF world record, while silver medalist Sisto claimed the snatch world record.
One of the coolest aspects of the above video was that two of the three featured athletes started weightlifting less than two years ago. Thus proving, it’s never too late to start, or compete on a world stage for that matter.
The World Masters Game are often called the “Olympics” for older athletes. In terms of weightlifting, this competition is possibly the most prestigious for masters athletes, as it also functions as the IWF’s Masters Weightlifting Championships.
These games are great because they allow a lot of Masters athletes the chance to compete against athletes from across the world. Hopefully we continue to see more videos shared from the event as US competitors begin to arrive home.
Feature image screenshot from World Masters Games 2017 YouTube channel.
