Southeast Asian Cup 2022 ‘best female lifter’ breaks her own record by 0.5 kilograms

Singaporean powerlifter Farhanna Farid broke her own deadlift world record at the Southeast Asian Cup 2022 last week by around 0.5 kilograms (approximately 1 pound).

Farhanna, 29, who competed in the Under-52 kilograms category, managed to break her past record by lifting 201 kilograms (approximately 443.1 pounds) on her second attempt during the four-day Southeast Asian Cup at Hotel Trove in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Sept. 16.

On her first attempt, Farhanna lifted 192.5 kilograms (approximately 424.3 pounds). She managed to lift 201 kilograms on her second attempt. Farhanna tried to go past that record on her third attempt by lifting 203 kilograms (447.5 pounds) but failed in the end.

Regardless, she still broke the 200.5 kilograms (approximately 442 pounds) world record that she set at the World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships 2022 in South Africa on June 6.

Speaking to The Strait Times, Farhanna admitted she was in disbelief after learning that she broke her previous record following the competition.

“I don’t think the surreal feeling will ever get old. I never dreamed of [pursuing] powerlifting this far or representing Singapore, let alone breaking world records,” the powerlifter said. “Although it’s technically just a number, it also represents Singapore’s prowess and potential on the world level.”

After setting the record in South Africa in June, Farhanna said she felt more pressure, but she focused and viewed the challenge through a more positive lens.

“Knowing that my personal records are not mine alone, there’s a significant amount of pressure but also a significant amount of motivation for me as well,” she said. “To a degree, I learned I work well under pressure. I try to channel the pressure into desire and drive.”

She was later awarded the title of best female lifter at the event, while Clinton Lee, the president of Powerlifting Singapore, received the best male lifter award. The Singapore team also took home the Best Overall Nation Team title after winning 26 golds, seven silvers and nine bronze medals.

Farhanna’s Singaporean teammates — Shirley Chu, Nigel Ng, Patricia Lynn Meyer, Saudi Tan and Yunie Yang — also set Asian records during the competition.

Featured Image via GOOD LIFT!

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