Thomas powers for gold
The National, Friday 13th of February 2015
By FRANCIS RODNEY PULU
MARTIN Thomas, 27, of West Sepik and Central, wants nothing but a gold medal if he makes the national powerlifting squad for the Pacific Games.
Thomas, who only started powerlifting at the 2012 PNG Games in Kokopo, East New Britain, said he was focusing all his energy on training and learning as much he could under experienced lifters at the National High Performance Centre in Port Moresby.
“I wasn’t much of a sportsman growing up but after seeing my aunt, Mary Peto, compete in the women’s 52kg division and travel and represent the country, I took an interest in the sport,” Thomas said.
“In 2012, she introduced me to the sport and I managed to earn a spot on the National Capital District team to the PNG Games. Competing in the 59kg division, Thomas came fourth — missing out on a medal — but that only made him more determined to do well in the sport.
“The best thing about this sport is the achievement of lifting heavy weights and getting strong and powerful
“After the 2012 experience, I told myself I would continue training and see how far I could go.”
Thomas made the NCD team again for last year’s PNG Games in Lae, competing in the same division he had two years earlier and this time won a silver medal.
“When I came second last year, that was great progress for me.
“It meant I was improving and that made me want to train harder.”
Thomas said after last year’s effort, he made it a goal to train as frequently as possible and to lift heavier weights.
His maximum in the deadlift is 180kg; 150kg for the squat and 90kg for the bench press.
Thomas said he was looking at steadily improving on a daily and weekly basis and one of his goals this month was to add 5kg onto his maximums.
He was grateful to Henry Kelo, a senior lifter who has taken him under his wing since they started training at the centre.
“I’m thankful to some of the senior powerlifters, especially (Henry)Kelo, who has been a great help to me in getting ready for the national trials this month.”
Thomas said he was hoping to impress the selectors and make the Games squad, which would be the highlight of his brief powerlifting career.
PNG Powerlifting Federation is yet to announce a train-on squad but those who are in Port Moresby are training under the supervision of experience lifter Linda Pulsan.