Hobart Observer MARCH 2022 29
Sport
Local powerlifter on track to break raw world record A LOCAL female powerlifter has her sights set on smashing a world record this year, as she prepares for a series of big competitions on the mainland. Jess McCallum, of New Norfolk, currently holds the Australian deadlift record for women at a whopping 272.5kg. But she hopes to go to the next level this year and break the world record, which sits at 289kg – about the same weight as four full kegs of beer. The 41-year old is a relative newcomer to the sport of powerlifting, only starting seriously five years ago after a get-fit campaign saw her lose an incredible 140kg. “I started going to the gym as often as I could
Local powerlifter Jess McCallum at a recent competition
and really enjoyed the ‘body pump’ classes which involved weights,” she said. “I became fit and toned and someone at the gym suggested I might like to try powerlifting. I found I loved the buzz and it went from there.” As well as dealing with a COVID-related red meat shortage at her local supermarket, Jess must also manage Epilepsy, which presents challenges for all athletes especially those whose sport involves lifting dangerously heavy weights. “I have to be careful because having a seizure during training or competition can lead to serious injury,” she said. “If I were to have a seizure just before a competition, it
could literally ruin my chances, no matter how many months I might have trained.” Jess is aiming to attempt to break the world record at the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Nationals 2022, to be held in Devonport in September. She recently travelled to Werribee for the ‘Raising the Dead’ Whiskey and Deadlifts event; and also plans to compete at ‘ProRaw’ in Melbourne in April and at the CAPO State Titles in Western Australia in May. But her ability to compete in these lead-up competitions and train at the level needed to crack a world record will depend on her ability to raise money to cover her travel costs.
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Paul McIntyre drives one to centre field, playing for White Sox A in a recent game against Nipaluna Pirates. Photo: David Searle
Finals spots up for grabs THE 2021-22 Hobart Baseball regular season is nearly over, with finals starting in the first week of March – but which teams will qualify for the playoffs is still up in the air. With two rounds to go in the Division One season, reigning premiers Banjos Orioles sit atop the ladder with 18 points, followed closely by the Visionary Carpentry Blue Jays (16 points), the Eastern Athletics (16 points) and the Pirates (14 points). Only the top three teams qualify for the finals. Orioles allrounder Jason Baurycza continues to dominate with both
the bat and the ball, and he is expected to make his presence felt during the last few rounds. The Athletics have been putting together more consistent performances with Sam Morrison on the mound, but they may come to regret a recent loss to the Pirates. The Blue Jays have been hardest hit by the loss of players to injury and COVID restrictions, but can never be discounted. The first-year Pirates are making a late run for the finals, but will need to win their two remaining games against the Orioles and Athletics and also
hope other results go their way. In Division Two, the undefeated White Sox A (28 points) lead from the Visionary Carpentry Grey Jays (24), White Sox B (20), Eastern Athletics (14), Pirates (13), Nipaluna Pirates (11), Banjos Orioles Orange (10) and Visionary Carpentry Blue Jays (18). The top five will play finals, with the first finals scheduled for 9-10 March. The second-placed Grey Jays appear to have the easiest run home, with games against Nipaluna and Orioles to come, so could still be in the running for the minor
premiership if White Sox A slip up. The Athletics enjoyed impressive late-season victories over the Grey Jays and White Sox B, but their recent loss to Nipaluna Pirates leaves them in a battle for fourth spot and home-ground advantage in the finals. Nipaulna Pirates are now an outside chance for the finals but have a tough game against the Grey Jays in the next round. If they lose, their finals aspirations will hinge on the result of the Pirates vs Orioles Orange game. Grand Finals are scheduled for Sunday 27 March.
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