Tiraspol, 25 September. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. The press conference was organised by the Pridnestrovian Doping-Free Federation, which was established in the summer of 2017. Thanks to the federation's support, the Pridnestrovian team was able to take part in the competition. The European WDFPF (World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation) Championship was held in Ukraine's Chernovtsy from 22 to 24 September.
The team consisted of four athletes: Vadim Manolov (52 kg, boys U-16), Vadim Metelsky (60 kg, boys U-16). Alexander Semerenko (67 kg, juniors U-23) and Vladimir Meleka (90 kg, U-65). They were accompanied by the head of the federation, Anatoly Semerenko.
"We included in our team those who was able to set records. It was not the place but the top-level result that was important. I have always focused on the results of the world's strongest federation — IPF. Taking part in a European championship is really an event for Pridnestrovie as it is the first time when we competed as a team. We managed to select the best Pridnestrovian guys for the moment. They have all fulfilled the task set before them. It is encouraging that they supported each other; there was a sense of team spirit," said Anatoly Semerenko.
The team set up several world records in the bench press. Alexander Semerenko lifted 142.5 kg, which is a new junior world record. The athlete also became an absolute winner. Alexander Semerenko has been a junior leader for several years, and he often has to undergo doping tests. This time was not an exception
It was the first time that Manolov and Metelsky took part in an international competition. They both set up world records in their age and weight categories, lifting 65 kg and 93 kg, respectively. Meleka updated the European record among veterans in the back squat, lifting 170.5 kg.
"We are looking for sponsors to attend international competitions. We are encouraging the Pridnestrovain youth, including from rural districts, to join us. We'll back promising athletes in every way, using various incentives. The problem is that there are no classification standards for the un-equipped division in Pridnestrovie, only equipped. And none of the Pridnestrovian athletes compete equipped, which make it impossible to assign official categories to powerlifters. The categories are also a form of encouragement. Next year we want to reinforce our team by the next European championship. We are planning to focus on the bench press," noted Anatoly Semerenko.
The Pridnestrovian champions will soon come to the platform again. On 28 October Tiraspol will host the Friendship Cup tournament, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the peacekeeping operation in Pridnestrovie.
