Records were set Saturday in Digby as over 30 power lifters from around the province and Prince Edward Island took part in the provincial powerlifting and bench press championships.
Culloden Powerlifting hosted the 2010 championships as athletes ranging in age from 15 to 69 competed in the squat, bench press and deadlift events.
Adam MacDonald, a 15-year-old sub-junior from Sydney Mines, set four provincial records in the three categories as well as in the overall total.
MacDonald, who has been powerlifting for just three months, lifted 138 kilograms in the squat, 102.5 kg in the bench press and 185 kg in the deadlift to win gold in his age class and division.
Justin Lovell, 23, and also from Sydney Mines, lifted 325 kg in the squat to break a provincial record set in 1987. Lovell also won the Mike Laroche Memorial Trophy for the Best Open Male.
Colin Boutilier, a 69-year-old men’s masters 3 powerlifter from Sydney, was first in his age, class and division with eight of nine successful lifts in the three events.
Boutilier said he got into powerlifting two years ago and believes he has found the secret to the fountain of youth.
“I was into body building for years and then decided to power lift two years ago ,entering my first competition last year,” Boutilier said. “Powerlifting is very, very good for your health and I believe the fountain of youth can be found in the gym.
“I don’t care if I win; I enjoy the companionship with the younger generation.”
Digby’s Paul Gidney, host for the Culloden Powerlifting, won gold in the powerlifting and bench press. He lifted 250 kg in the squat, 175 kg in the bench press and 250 in the deadlift while in the bench press event; he lifted 167.5 kg for the Best Master Lifter Trophy.
