WAIS Powerlifter and Paralympic hopeful Darren Gardiner has placed fourth at the International Fazza Competition in Dubai.
With the 4th International Fazza event also doubling as the final qualification opportunity for powelfting, the world’s best were on display in the UAE as the countdown to London 2012 ticked under 200 days to go this week.
Gardiner – a Beijing 2008 silver medallist – showed plenty of form against the world class field, successfully lifting attempts at 221kg and 226kgs with his first two visits to the platform.
Gardiner then lined up a third round attempt at 228kg which had appeared clean, only for two of the three officials to adjudicate a foul.
Gardiner admitted he was disappointed not to get the split decision his way.
“The lift went up strong and clean in everyone’s opinion except two of the three refs unfortunately, as had this lift been successful I would have placed third,” he said.
The latest IPC rankings list Gardiner at fourth in the world, based on his lift of 230kg at last year’s Arafua Games.
With crunch time approaching, Gardiner is planning to relocate to the other side of the country to maximise his training before London.
“I’m planning to relocate to Brisbane six weeks prior to London to be with my coach for some one on one training sessions,” he said.
For more info on Darren Gardiner and Powerlifting view this feature from the APC.
