Alex Cambray Orrason Makes History as First Icelander at Equipped Powerlifting World Championship
Alex Cambray Orrason has become the first Icelander to compete at the Equipped Powerlifting World Championship, currently being held in Reykjanesbær. Competing in the -93 kg category, Alex performed in Group B, finishing his lifts early in the day. Orrason achieved a total lift of 837.5 kg, leading his group. However, he had to wait until late evening for the results from Group A to ascertain his final standing.
In the individual events, Alex placed sixth in the squat, eleventh in the bench press, and tenth in the deadlift. His cumulative performance earned him a ninth-place finish overall. The winner of the weight class was Volodymyr Rysiyev from Ukraine.
Overall, six Icelanders are participating in the championship. Tomorrow, Hjálmar Andrésson will compete in the -105 kg category, with the event broadcast starting at 14:00 on RÚV 2.
Improvements in Squat Performance
The squat was the first event on the agenda, where Alex surpassed his previous best by five kilograms, successfully lifting 245 kg. He also improved his bench press performance by five kilograms, achieving a best lift of 212.5 kg. In the deadlift, Alex attempted 290 kg in his final lift but was unsuccessful, making 280 kg his best lift, which is 12.5 kg shy of his personal best.
Overall, Alex lifted a total of 837.5 kg, the highest in Group B. He led the group in the squat and ranked second in the deadlift.
About Alex
Alex Cambray Orrason competes in the -93 kg category and is attending his third World Championship. He has also participated in five European Championships, claiming the title of Western European Champion in 2019 and 2022. Alex is scheduled to compete again on Wednesday, November 13th, at 14:30.
The Rise of Powerlifting in Iceland
Powerlifting in Iceland has been gaining traction over the years, with more athletes participating in international competitions. The visibility of athletes like Alex Cambray Orrason highlights the growing interest and success in this sport. Iceland has a strong tradition in strength sports, often producing top-tier competitors in events like the World’s Strongest Man. This tradition seems to be expanding into powerlifting as well.
According to the International Powerlifting Federation, the sport has seen a global increase in participation, with more countries and athletes joining competitions. Iceland’s involvement in these championships reflects this trend, showcasing the country’s commitment to developing its athletes in various disciplines.
Analysis and Future Prospects
Alex’s performance at the World Championship is commendable, especially considering the level of competition and his improvements in personal records. His participation sets a precedent for future Icelandic athletes, inspiring them to compete at higher levels. The support from national broadcasting and sports federations is crucial in promoting powerlifting as a mainstream sport in Iceland.
Looking ahead, Iceland could leverage this growing interest to further invest in training facilities and coaching, potentially increasing its presence in international powerlifting competitions. This could lead to more robust performances and even podium finishes in the future.
In conclusion, Alex Cambray Orrason’s participation and achievements at the Equipped Powerlifting World Championship not only mark a significant milestone for him personally but also for Icelandic powerlifting on a global stage. As the sport continues to grow, Iceland may soon become known not just for its strongmen but also for its powerlifters.