The NAPF/FESUPO Pan-American and North American Powerlifting Championships are underway in the Cayman Islands, with over 400 competitors from across the Americas vying for powerlifting glory until 2 Aug.
The event, hosted at the Grand Cayman Marriott Hotel, brings together three championships: The North American Powerlifting Championships, The Pan American Powerlifting Championships and The University Cup.
Tony McInerney, president of the Cayman Islands Powerlifting Organisation and a competitor in this year’s event, said the decision to bring the championships back to Cayman was spurred by the success of the 2023 event.
Despite the scale and prestige of this year’s championships, McInerney said that organizing the event proved more challenging due to a lack of sponsorship from both the private and public sectors.
However, he expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the Grand Cayman Marriott Hotel, which partnered with them in 2023 to help make the event possible.
This year’s championships kick off on 26 July, with the opening ceremony in the evening. Llifting will commence Sunday.
Competitors will battle across open, sub-junior, junior, and masters divisions, with athletes entered in both classic (raw) and equipped categories, all adhering to the standard International Powerlifting Federation weight classes.
This year introduces a groundbreaking addition with a dedicated day for Special Olympic powerlifting, a testament to the sport’s rapid growth and inclusivity, McInerney said.
Among the strong contingent of Caymanian athletes poised to take the platform is James Geary, competing in the highly competitive 120+ kg super heavyweight class in the open division.
Geary’s final preparations leading up to the competition were in “full swing”, he said, comprising a demanding balance of intense training, meticulous nutrition, recovery, and mental conditioning — all while navigating a rigorous work travel schedule that presented its own physical challenges.
Geary also proudly represented Cayman in 2012, earning a silver medal in what he describes as an “experience of growth and pride”.
This year holds deeper significance for Geary. He not only competes on home soil, but has the unique opportunity to perform as an artist, intertwining “the spirit of Cayman alongside the strength of its people”.
His personal goals for the competition are clear: to maintain technical precision, represent his homeland with unwavering pride, and leave everything on the platform, both physically and mentally, while inspiring others to chase their goals.
Geary looks forward to giving his best in all three lifts — squat, bench and deadlift.
“There’s nothing like it,” he said. “To lift in front of your own people — friends, family, fellow Caymanians — it adds a whole new layer of meaning. This isn’t just about medals or records; it’s about representing where I’m from, showing what’s possible, and hopefully inspiring the next generation. The energy of a home crowd is unmatched—and I can’t wait to feel that support when I step onto the platform.”
The Cayman Islands Powerlifting Organisation is fielding a formidable team of local talent across various categories:
• Callum Smith – Open Classic
• David Bodden – Open Classic
• James Geary – Open Classic
• Shaan Vats – Sub-Junior Classic
• Brendan Foley – Sub-Junior Classic
• Daniel Foley – Junior Classic
• Bryan Cascante – Junior Classic
• Brent Buckner – Masters 3 Classic
• Tony McInerney – Masters 2 Equipped
• Destiny Cascante – Junior Female Classic
• Maya Moise – University Cup Female
