Singapore’s Powerlifting Star Is Breaking Records Like a Prodigy
Farhanna Farid is on fire. Just three months after smashing the Under‑52kg world record, she swooped in at the SEA Cup 2022 in Johor Bahru and snatched 201kg—water to the previous 200.5kg mark. That’s a new under‑52kg dead‑lift world record, and the 29‑year‑old is still no stranger to the quirk of lifting heavier than you can see.
From Novice to New Legend
Farhanna only took up powerlifting five years ago, yet Singapore’s Vice‑President of Powerlifting Ng Jun Jie swears she’s got the entire sky ahead of her. “She can load literally any number,” he says, “and she’s already got her eyes on the next international stage.” If you ask me, that’s the vibe of an athlete who’s not just going to lift, but is rewriting the ceiling.
Singapore Shines
With a squad of 48 competitors, Singapore topped the medal table after four days of action. They racked up 26 golds, 7 silvers, and 9 bronzes—enough to make anyone proud. And the cherry on top? Farhanna earned the title of best female lifter, while Clinton Lee (who went down in the men’s Under‑74kg) snagged best male athlete.
Other Record‑Busters
- Shirley Chu—a juniors’ wonder in the women’s Under‑47kg—pushed her squat from 115kg to 123kg, after squeezing through a frantic two‑hour weight‑cut regimen. The sheer drama of that journey makes her triumph all the more sweet.
- Nigel Ng breezed past Lee’s bench press in the men’s Under‑83kg Junior, achieving 173.5kg and knitting a new Asian record.
- Patricia Lynn Meyer, Saudi Tan, and Yunie Yang raised the bar too, each seizing Asian titles in their categories.
Shirley herself admitted she felt “relieved more than happy” after her record lift—“I almost missed the 2019 date, and now it’s my last junior year to shine.” All the folks are on a roll, confirming that Singapore’s powerlifting scene is more than just a handful of strong arms—it’s a community of dreamers and record‑hunters.
Nigel Ng Clinches Asian Junior Record (but Misses the Perfect Finish )
Young powerlifter Nigel Ng, a 19‑year‑old student from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, smashed an Asian record in the Under‑83kg Junior category. Despite that triumph, he fell short of a flawless meet when he missed his final deadlift attempt.
What the 19‑Year‑Old Says About the Set‑Back
- “When I missed the deadlift I was quite bummed out about it.”
- “But it just makes me more motivated to keep training harder and secure that in the future.”
Another Powerlifting Success Up in the Air
Now, let’s talk about the older powerhouse. Meyer, a Singapore permanent resident, spent about five months in the United States visiting family in 2022. While away, she stuck to her training routine and relied on her coach for video‑analysis feedback.
Her hard work paid off once she returned: at 67 years old, after starting powerlifting as a response to an osteoporosis diagnosis, she captured the women’s U‑52kg Master 3 deadlift record at 122.5kg. Talk about turning a medical challenge into a triumph!
Takeaway
Both athletes remind us that setbacks aren’t the end of the story. With determination, the right guidance, and a sprinkle of humor, every lift can be turned into a stepping stone toward greatness.
Patricia Lynn Meyer Breaks the Bars: U‑52kg Master 3 Deadlift Record
Patricia Lynn Meyer has just lifted her way into the history books. In a triumphant display of power, the 42‑year‑old shattered the women’s U‑52kg Master 3 record with a stunning deadlift of 167.5 kg. It’s a performance that speaks volumes about age, commitment, and the relentless spirit of these athletes.
What’s Behind the Numbers?
- Weight Category: Women’s U‑52 kg Master 3
- Deadlift: 167.5 kg (the new record)
- Goals: Deadlift 125 kg and bench press 40 kg – firmly on the roadmap
Meyer says the feeling isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about proving that strength doesn’t age out. “It’s been quite inspiring to see that I’m able to keep getting stronger each year,” she shares. Her mantra? Power coupled with perseverance.
Tan Sets a Triple Winning Streak
In a parallel event, fellow Singaporean Tan fueled the atmosphere by hitting a clean sweep of Asian records in the women’s U‑76 kg Master 1:
- Squat: 150 kg
- Bench Press: 85 kg
- Deadlift: 167.5 kg
“Through achievements like this, I’m motivated to send a clear message—women can still excel in sport no matter how we age,” Tan says, knocking a spring to the ears of the crowd.
Why It Matters
The records were set at a time when the sport is nudging past the old narrative that “strength is a youth sport.” They spotlight that skill, best practices, and sheer dedication can elevate a woman to new heights—no matter the clock.
With these tales of iron and intent, the sky is the real limit—if you can lift it, why not?
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