A new bench press national record was set earlier this month during a powerlifting competition at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

Sean Galea, weighing in at 73kg, lifted 126kg to better the record set by Charles Degiorgio four years ago in the under-75kg category.

Galea topped the competition on points thanks to a 177.5kg squat and 212.5kg deadlift in addition to the bench press.

Adrian Cauchi and Justin Said followed in second and third place for their first podium finish.

The biggest lifts of the day were a 240kg deadlift by Cleaven Cutajar and a 180kg squat by the same lifter who competed at a bodyweight of 110kg and finished in fifth place.

Bulgarian Alexander Atanasov (85kg) produced the heaviest press at 130kg.

Despite the absence of some veterans, several established lifters and some newcomers took part in the competition.

There were also some female competitors. Claire Paris lifted a total of 167.5kg in the Under-58kg category.

Kirstin Abela, still only 14, produced a remarkable performance considering his age, lifting a total of 200kg in his first competition.

For more information, one can check out the facebook page ‘Malta Powerlifting MDFPA’.

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