Local powerlifter Mark Oxer claimed second place in the 93-kilogram division of an Alberta Powerlifting Union competition in Calgary on April 20.
Competing in his first-ever event, Oxer's best lifts were 150 kilograms in the squat lift, 90 kilograms in the bench press and 195 kilograms in the deadlift, for a total of 435 kilograms in the three events.
“It was my first competition so I went a little bit lighter on the lifts rather than trying to go for, like a personal best because I wanted to make sure I made the lifts as far as technique goes,” he said. “It felt good with the squat and the deadlift, the bench press was light. I just wanted to make sure I hit the numbers.”
Oxer said it's important to get the technique down, because in addition to the lifts, judges are looking to see that form is correct.
“Being it was my first meet, I wanted to make sure I got those standards correctly. You have to adhere to the standards of the Canadian Powerlifting Union,” he said.
Oxer said he's hoping to compete a few more times this summer at other meets. He hopes to be competing in a lower weight class in the upcoming competitions.
“You want to try to compete at the lightest weight possible, while being as strong as possible,” he said.
