THE Philippine junior powelifting team wrapped up its campaign with one gold and three silver medals in the prestigious 2011 World Junior & Sub-Junior Powerlifting Championships held in Moose Jaw, Canada.

Promising powerlifter Raymund Debuque delivered the country’s lone gold medal in the final day of competition as he topped the squat event of the boys’ 105-kilogram weight class. He submitted 650 pounds.

Carlos Guapulema of Ecuador actually had the same output of 650 pounds. But Debuque automatically clinched the top spot since he was lighter than Guapulema, who eventually settled for silver medal.

“If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter,” according to the International Powerlifting Federation rules and regulations.

Pavel Chertkov of Russia grabbed the bronze with 617 pounds.

“Raymund had officially squatted 672 pounds in local Philippine competition. While there was reasonable confidence he could do at least 672, we decided to play it safe and just go for 650 for a higher percentage attempt,” stressed coach Eddie Torres.

Debuque, 18, added one more silver medal in Total after amassing 1,521 pounds on 650 pounds in Squat, 352 pounds in Bench Press and 518 in Deadlift. Chertkov this time topped the event with 1,592 pounds on 402 in Bench Press, 573 in Deadlift and 617 in Squat.

“I was really eyeing for that result and I’m just too happy that I made it. Wining a gold medal in a world-class competition like this is such a big accomplishment,” said Debuque.

Earlier, Regie Ramirez (boys’ 53kg) and Lucas Lorenzo (boys’ 94kg) won one silver each in Bench Press of their respective weight classes in the tournament participated in by 294 athletes from 28 countries. The other Filipino entry - Clark Cruz—placed fourth in Deadlift of the boys’ 74kg category.