Records tumble as Douek dominates

YOUNG powerlifting sensation Nechama Douek has broken four world and Australian records in her weight and age divisions on her way to a second-place finish in the women’s teenage division of the National Powerlifting Titles in Caloundra recently.

At only 16 years of age, Douek became the youngest female powerlifter to participate in the Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC) Australia event.

“It was really good,” Douek, who is the brother of national champion Michael Douek, told The AJN.

“I actually set four world records … so I’m really happy with that.”

Her personal-best world and national records for the teenage 56kg weight class included lifts of 100kg in the squat, 60kg in the bench press and 110kg in the dead lift, totalling 270kg across the three events.

“It’s not just about how you feel physically, but also about your whole mindset,” Douek said. “I felt a bit more confident and mentally I also thought I was really well prepared.

“Before each lift I thought no matter what, I’ve just got to keep pulling it up … so no matter how difficult it was, I just kept pulling.”

It’s an incredible achievement for the youngster, considering she only started training in the sport at the beginning of this year.

Three months into her career, Douek took part in the GPC Victorian Titles, winning the teenage women’s division with lifts of 80kg in the squat, 52.5kg in the bench press and 90kg in the dead lift, totalling 222.5kg.

“I’ve only been doing this for a few months. But I’ve just learnt the techniques and I’ve had really good trainers, so that’s definitely helped.”

Training and competing for the St Kilda Powerlifting Club, Douek has continued to improve, breaking several club and state records as well.

“I don’t think this year I’m going to go [to the world championships] because I have to juggle up VCE as well,” Douek said.

“But I would definitely love to go maybe next year or later.”

ASHLEY SHENKER