Jūrmala, Latvia – The second stage of the Latvian Cup in bench press, the Jūrmala Championship, concluded this past weekend at the Jaunķemeri Rehabilitation Center on February 28th. The competition, organized in a repetition-count format, marks the first of four Latvian Cup events focused on bench press, according to Karina Grigorjeva, representative, judge, and participant for the Liepāja strength sports team and association “Libava Powerlifting.”
The event saw numerous personal records fall as athletes from the “Libava Powerlifting” team showcased their strength and dedication. Several athletes representing Liepāja achieved top finishes and set new personal bests, highlighting the growing strength sports community in the region.
Strong Performances Across Multiple Categories
Santa Mickus led the way for the Liepāja team, securing first place in the women’s up to 69kg category with a new personal record of 49x34kg. Karina Nikitina followed closely, earning second place in the same weight class with a personal best of 31x32kg. The competition wasn’t limited to individual achievements; Lāsma Gūtmane demonstrated exceptional strength in the women’s 76+kg category, claiming first place with a new personal record of 68x41kg and securing a third-place finish in the overall women’s standings.
Diāna Fridrihsone also contributed to the team’s success, taking second place in the women’s 76+kg category with a new personal record of 26x39kg. On the men’s side, Mareks Pūķis dominated the veteran 2 (50+) group in the 105+kg category, achieving first place with a result of 11x105kg.
Younger athletes also made their mark. Mārtiņš Saule earned a second-place finish in the youth category (up to 74kg) with a result of 16x69kg, while Andrejs Žavoronkins secured third place in the youth category (83+kg) with a result of 12x84kg. Jurģis Mickus finished third in the open (24-39 years) category (up to 74kg) with a result of 21x68kg, and Emīls Pūķis placed sixth in the open (24-39 years) category (up to 105kg) with a result of 12x102kg.
Team Effort and Community Support
While individual accomplishments shone brightly, the “Libava Powerlifting” team collectively finished in fourth place overall. This result underscores the importance of teamwork and dedication within the club. The team expressed gratitude for the support received from “Royal Fitness,” “Ashlife,” and SIA “Reklāmas apgāds,” acknowledging their contributions to the team’s success.
“Libava Powerlifting” is actively seeking new members to join their ranks. The club encourages individuals interested in strength training to join their team and represent the city of Liepāja in future competitions. This open invitation highlights the club’s commitment to fostering a strong and inclusive strength sports community.
For those interested in learning more about “Libava Powerlifting,” information can be found on their Facebook page @libavapowerlifting and Instagram account @libava_powerlifting. Karina Grigorjeva is available for inquiries at +371 29853775 or via email at libavapowerlifting@gmail.com.
The Latvian Cup continues to showcase the dedication and strength of athletes across the country. The Jūrmala Championship served as a strong indicator of the talent within the “Libava Powerlifting” team and the broader Latvian strength sports scene. The next stage of the competition promises further exciting performances and the pursuit of new personal bests.
