Feb. 15 marked Doug Delainey's final chance to break RAW Powerlifting Federation Canada’s deadlift record for his age group and weight class – and he made it count.
Having fallen just short of breaking the national record at the World Single Lift Championships in November 2019, Delainey, a 59-year-old powerlifter from Balzac, successfully deadlifted 215.5 kilograms (kg) at the 2020 Iron Challenge in Medicine Hat, Alta. His successful hoist broke the previous national record – 215 kg – for the 55-to-59-year-old age group 100 kg weight class.
“I can’t describe the phenomenal feeling I had, because I didn’t quite make it at the worlds,” he said. “To get it at this event [was great] – and if you see the video of me, you can see it actually went up pretty easy.”
Missing out on the record at the World Single Lift Championships, he said, provided “100 per cent motivation” this time around and he adjusted his training schedule accordingly.
“I added a day to my workouts, so started lifting on Saturdays, as well,” he said. “I really wanted that record.”
One reason for Delainey’s excitement is because when he turns 60 on April 28 he’ll enter a new age group, meaning he would not be able to challenge the record.
“It was all or nothing,” he said.
Delainey took up deadlifting a little more than two years ago. While he initially started powerlifting for health-related reasons, he soon developed a competitive itch for the sport.
His progress throughout the last two years has seen him go from barely being able to deadlift 65 kg, to now hoisting more than triple that weight. He credited Cochrane-based fitness trainer and powerlifting coach Alex Saretsky, for his development.
“I truly believe he’s 50 per cent [the reason] for getting the scare out of my head, so I could just go pick up the weight,” Delainey said. “Without [Saretsky], I honestly don’t think I could have done it.”
Even though he now has one Canadian record under his belt, he said he has two more national records in his sights. Once he turns 60, he’ll be able to go for Canada’s deadlift record in his weight class for the 60-to-64-year-old age group, at the May 2 Hub Power Open in High River, Alta. Delainey said the record to beat is 220 kg.
He added if he can lose five kg before June 13, he could also attempt to break the record for the 90-kg weight class, in the same age group, at the Bedrock Heavy Metal Showdown in Calgary.
“The record is [200 kg],” he said. “That was my start weight at this last competition, so I shouldn’t have much complication going after that one.”
He said he’ll maintain his weight-training and cardio regimen – daily three-mile walks – to drop his weight to 90 kg, while controlling his diet.
“I won’t really change my diet, but I’ll change my portions and the time of day I eat at,” he said.
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
