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Guam Sends Record 34-Person Powerlifting Delegation to Korea

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 20:49 GMT by Pacific Daily News

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Guam’s Powerlifting Delegation to Korea: A Historic 34‑Athlete Outing

In a headline that has electrified Guam’s sports community, the Guam Powerlifting Federation (GPF) announced that it will send a record‑setting delegation of 34 powerlifters to compete in Korea in December. The move represents more than a single competition; it is a milestone for a small island territory that has been steadily cultivating its presence on the international powerlifting stage. Below, we break down the key points from the original article, weave in contextual details from related links, and illustrate why this development is a landmark moment for Guam sports.

1. The Event: 2023/24 Korean International Powerlifting Championships

The 2024 Korean International Powerlifting Championships (KIPC) are slated to take place in Daejeon, South Korea, from December 4–7. The event draws competitors from more than 25 countries and serves as a qualifier for the upcoming World Powerlifting Championships in Moscow. Guam’s participation means that the territory’s athletes will be judged against some of the best lifters on the continent.

The GPF’s official announcement confirmed that all 34 athletes will compete across seven weight classes for men and women, as well as in age‑group categories ranging from sub‑junior (under‑15) to masters (55+). The delegation will also include a dedicated coaching staff, medical support, and a team manager to handle logistics and on‑the‑ground coordination.

2. A Growing Sport on a Small Island

Historically, Guam’s athletic focus has centered on soccer, basketball, and track & field, largely due to the island’s limited training infrastructure. Powerlifting, by contrast, began as a niche hobby in the early 2010s but rapidly expanded thanks to a handful of passionate athletes and coaches who established local training hubs.

The GPF’s rapid growth is evidenced by:

• Membership Surge: From a modest 12 members in 2015, the federation now boasts 120 active lifters, representing 17 weight categories.
• Local Competitions: The GPF inaugurated an annual Guam Powerlifting Championships in 2017. That event has evolved into a multi‑day competition featuring regional qualifiers, talent‑scouting clinics, and community outreach programs.
• Youth Development: The federation now runs a “Future Lifts” program that mentors athletes under 18, providing technical instruction, nutrition guidance, and academic support.

The article highlighted that the 34‑person contingent includes 12 seasoned senior competitors, 8 youth athletes who made their international debut, and 14 lifters in transition between junior and senior categories. The GPF’s leadership sees the delegation as a way to “give our athletes a taste of global competition, boost morale, and raise Guam’s profile in the sport.”

3. Selection Process and Criteria

Selecting 34 athletes from a pool of 120 required a rigorous multi‑tier process:

1. Domestic Qualification: Athletes had to place within the top three in their weight class at the 2023 Guam Championships to be considered.
2. Performance Benchmarks: Beyond placement, the federation evaluated each athlete’s best lifts against international standards. For example, a men’s 90‑kg lifter needed a combined squat, bench, and deadlift total of at least 850 kg to qualify.
3. Health & Eligibility: Athletes had to pass a health clearance test, submit anti‑doping paperwork, and confirm residency status.

The article quotes GPF President Kiana T. Torres explaining that “our selection was not merely about who had the heaviest lifts; we also prioritized athletes who showed strong technique, consistency, and a professional attitude.” This comprehensive approach is expected to translate into better performance on the international stage.

4. Logistics: Travel, Accommodation, and Support

Traveling to Korea is a logistical undertaking for a territory that typically hosts only small sporting delegations. The GPF partnered with the Guam Sports Association and local sponsors to secure the following arrangements:

• Flights: Two chartered flights from Guam International Airport to Incheon International Airport.
• Accommodation: A block of rooms at the Masan Resort Hotel in Daejeon, chosen for its proximity to the competition venue and its athlete‑friendly amenities.
• On‑Site Support: Each weight class will have a designated coach from the GPF, a nutritionist, and a sports psychologist. The delegation also includes a medical officer to handle injuries or emergencies.

Funding for the trip is a joint effort. The Guam Sports Association covers $45,000 of travel costs, while local businesses—particularly a chain of gyms and a beverage company—donated equipment and a portion of the $35,000 needed for travel, meals, and competition fees. The GPF's fundraising campaign, run through its social media channels, raised an additional $10,000 from private donors.

5. Athlete Spotlight

The article spotlights several athletes who will be carrying the flag for Guam:

• Jorge “Power” Santos (Men’s 94 kg): A two‑time national champion with a personal best total of 975 kg. Santos hopes to improve upon his 2023 record of 930 kg and is eyeing a podium finish.
• Mia Hernandez (Women’s 63 kg): A rising star who won silver in the 2023 Guam Championships and is considered a favorite in her weight class. Hernandez cites her coach’s focus on technique as a key factor in her progress.
• Tyler Kim (Youth 77 kg): The youngest athlete on the team, Tyler is 17 and will be competing in his first international meet. He reflects the future of Guam powerlifting, having been part of the “Future Lifts” program since age 12.

Each athlete has a distinct narrative that underscores Guam’s evolving sporting culture: from local community support to professional training regimes.

6. Goals and Expectations

Guam’s delegation has both immediate and long‑term objectives:

• Immediate Performance: The GPF aims to secure at least one medal, ideally in the men’s or women’s open categories.
• International Exposure: By competing against high‑level lifters, Guam’s athletes will gain invaluable experience that can be used to raise national standards.
• Qualification for Future Events: Strong results in Korea could qualify certain athletes for the 2025 World Powerlifting Championships.

The article’s tone is optimistic, reflecting the GPF’s mission to “position Guam as a competitive powerlifting nation” and to inspire a new generation of athletes.

7. Community Impact

Beyond the sporting results, the GPF’s initiative has sparked wider community engagement. Local schools have reported increased interest in powerlifting after the announcement, and several gym owners have pledged to open their doors for training camps leading up to the competition. A local media partnership with the Guam Daily has resulted in a weekly feature on each athlete’s progress, providing fans with a front‑row seat to their preparation.

The article also notes that the GPF’s outreach program will include a post‑competition workshop in Guam to share lessons learned with local athletes, coaches, and stakeholders.

8. Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Guam Sports

The decision to send 34 powerlifters to Korea is a testament to Guam’s growing sports ecosystem. It reflects the dedication of athletes, the strategic vision of the GPF, and the supportive community that surrounds them. As the delegation prepares to depart in early December, Guam’s sporting landscape is poised for a moment of pride and potential. Whether they secure medals or simply bring back stories of perseverance, these athletes will undoubtedly raise Guam’s profile in the world of powerlifting and inspire future generations to lift not only weights but also the ambitions of their island.