FIRST SANCTIONED POWERLIFTING EVENT

By Grace Tacuyan

This past weekend, 54 lifters gathered at the Bagzik Strength 671 Powerlifting Gym in Dededo to compete in Guam’s first sanctioned powerlifting meet under the USA Powerlifting organization.

This meet offered competitors not only the chance to win medals but also to qualify for national events down the line and gain world rankings on OpenPowerlifting.com—a global database for tracking powerlifting results and records.

Previously, local lifters had to travel off-island, spending thousands of dollars to participate in sanctioned events and achieve world rankings. This meet provided a cost-effective opportunity for local lifters to make history. Among them, 12-year-old newcomer Talen San Nicolas impressed with two medals in the 52kg youth division, while 20-year-old Jasmine Takai overcame a condensed training schedule to earn first in the Women’s Open 48kg and third in the Women’s Junior division.

Veteran lifters also stood out, with Morgan Duenas, 28, claiming Best Overall Female Lifter and Josh Cantara, 27, taking Best Overall Male Lifter just weeks after competing at GSPN’s I Mas Metgot Competition.

Women’s Overall Open Division

1. Morgan Duenas

2. Jaime Nagata

3. Nica Andrea Mojas

Men’s Overall Open Division

1. Joshua Cantara

2. Christian Duenas

3. Kyle Aninzo

FULL RESULTS

Christian Lomangaya, 26, from Mongmong, couldn’t hold back his excitement after the event. “This meant a lot,” he said. “I’ve trained almost six months, juggling work and school. My hard work paid off, and I’m proud to be part of my community’s debut.”

The event wasn’t just about the competition—it was about building a community. Masters lifters like Lomangaya, alongside newcomers to the sport such as JJ Fouche and Edlin Guiao, spoke of the camaraderie that made the day unforgettable. Fouche, who initially joined to support his wife,
Shirley, found himself drawn to the sport, discovering a new passion and a circle of like-minded
individuals.

For Guiao, the experience was about more than just lifting. “You create a bond with the competitors,” he said. “Some chase numbers, some chase the thrill and camaraderie… but in the end, we all end up supporting each other.”

It was an event that showcased strength—both physical and in the unity of the community. For full results, head to LiftingCast.com and search for the Island Strength Classic. To stay connected with Guam’s USAPL, follow them on Instagram at @usaplguam or visit usapowerlifting.com for more details. With several lifters posting totals that could qualify for national rankings and even world competitions, the meet marked a major milestone for Guam’s powerlifting community—a benchmark future competitors will undoubtedly strive to reach.

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