Powerlifting coach Lee pressing to lift others

Chairperson of the coaches committee and national assistant coach Clifton Lee becomes the first male and second Jamaican to achieve certification as an International Powerlifting Federation referee.

Lee says he is honoured to have achieved this position while collaborating with the coaching team that helped Jamaica earn 15 medals at the 21st NAPF Regional Championships.

He said coaching helps him share his passion for the sport and building others.

"Becoming a coach felt like a natural progression for me. After years of competing and pushing my own limits, I realised that I had a wealth of knowledge and experience that could benefit others. I've always believed in the power of strength training to transform not just the body, but the mind as well," he said.

"Coaching gives me the opportunity to share that passion and help others reach their full potential, both on and off the platform. Seeing my athletes succeed and grow stronger, not just physically, but mentally, is incredibly rewarding. It's my way of giving back to the sport that has given me so much."

Lee said that his love for lifting weights started at Munro College, where he also earned a bronze medal competing in the decathlon at the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships in 2011.

He later went into bodybuilding during his tenure at UWI, Mona.

"It was there that I met Mr James, who saw potential in me and encouraged me to enter a competition called Power Play. That was my first powerlifting meet, and from that moment I was hooked. I've never looked back since," Lee said.

And looking forward is what he has been doing, as he says he has a number of goals to accomplish as a coach.

"I aim to build a strong, resilient team of athletes who are not only successful on the platform, but also well-rounded in their approach to training and life. I want to foster a culture of discipline, hard work, and continuous improvement, where each athlete is encouraged to push beyond their limits and achieve their personal best," he said.

"Another key goal is to elevate the sport of powerlifting in Jamaica and the Caribbean. I want to identify and nurture new talent, providing them with the guidance and resources they need to compete at the highest levels, both regionally and internationally. Ultimately, my vision is to create a legacy where the athletes I coach not only break records, but also inspire the next generation of lifters to pursue excellence in the sport."

At this point, Lee is looking to build on the team's success by expanding the coaching committee.

"If you're passionate about powerlifting and interested in helping others become locally certified, I invite you to join us. Let's grow the sport together and continue to elevate Jamaica's powerlifting presence, both locally and internationally," he urged.

"Become a part of the National Powerlifting Association of Jamaica and be a driving force in shaping the future of this sport in our country."