SUSS Powerlifting: A Year of Growth and Triumph
2024 has been a remarkable year for SUSS Powerlifting, marked by significant progress and impressive achievements. Our athletes have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience in every competition, from individual milestones to team victories. Powerlifting may often seem like an individual sport, but at SUSS, we know it's built on a foundation of strong community support, and the successes are a testament to that.
The Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift (SBD) Novice Classic, held in August 2024, proved to be a pivotal stepping stone for SUSS Powerlifting members with aspirations of competing at higher levels. Eight dedicated members showcased their strength and determination, with two athletes achieving remarkable victories.
Crystal Leong, a Year 2 Full-Time Human Resource Management student, dominated the U69 Junior category, securing 1st place and setting a new national squat record of 145.5kg. Hannah Binte Saim, a Year 5 Part-Time Mathematics undergraduate, also demonstrated exceptional power, clinching 1st place in the U69 Open category.
Beyond the individual triumphs, the competition highlighted the growing presence of SUSS Powerlifting and the strong sense of camaraderie within the club. Senior members played a crucial role in mentoring and supporting their teammates, exemplifying the importance of peer support in the demanding sport of powerlifting.
While the Novice Classic showcased the rising talent within SUSS Powerlifting, Claudia Chu, a Year 4 Full-Time Accountancy student, took on the ultimate challenge, representing SUSS at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships. This prestigious global event pushed Claudia to her limits, both physically and mentally. Her presence on the world stage served as an inspiration to her fellow powerlifters at SUSS, illustrating the heights they too could aspire to reach.
SUSS Powerlifting capped off a remarkable year with a historic achievement at the Tertiary Nationals 2024. Competing against 13 universities and polytechnics from across Singapore, SUSS secured an impressive 3rd place overall. Individual highlights included Claudia Chu's 1st place finish in the U47 category (and ranking as the 3rd best female lifter overall) and Crystal Leong's 1st place finish in the U76 category, where she set both tertiary and national records. A special shout-out to Nikkisha Bte Norhisham, a Year 1 Part-Time Biomedical Engineering undergraduate, who took 1st place in the U84 category and set a new tertiary record for total lift (squat, bench press, and deadlift).
Shamini Ramamurthy, a year 4 Full-Time Human Resource Management student and a first-time competitor shared, “Balancing studies and training were tough, but the support from my team kept me going.”
The journey of SUSS Powerlifting in 2024 is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and a shared vision for excellence. With a strong foundation laid last year, the future looks even brighter for SUSS Powerlifting.
Learn more about SUSS Competition Groups by visiting our SUSS Student Life Webpage: https://www.suss.edu.sg/student-life/student-experiences/student-groups/competition-groups