From left, Colleen Loo, Liz Cabe, Craig DeSoto and Velma Panlasigui traveled to compete in the California World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters (WABDL) State Championships. PHOTO BY CRAIG DESOTO. 

LAHAINA – The California World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters (WABDL) State Championships were held March 9 at the Holiday Inn in Chico, California.

Representing Hawaii were three Maui girls: five-time World Champion Liz Cabe, five-time World Champion Velma Panlasigui and Junior World Champion Colleen Loo.

Cabe, competing at a body weight of 95.6 pounds, broke the 97-pound Open Division world record by deadlifting 331.6 pounds, 1.1 pounds better than the previous mark. The old world record was set by Anna Ordonez of Guatemala on Nov. 17, 2000. It was the longest standing record in the WABDL Federation.

Cabe also broke her own Master Division deadlift world record and was awarded the best female deadlifter trophy.

Velma, competing in the Open and Master Division bench press, proved to be too much for the other girls, winning both divisions with a press of 165 pounds.

Loo, competing in the Open Division, 105-pound weight class deadlift, came to break the existing world record currently held by Minnesota’s Cheryl Anderson.

Colleen came close, but she was only able to complete her opening lift of 319 pounds, enough to win her class. On her second and third attempts at a new world record, Colleen was unable to lock her lifts out.

All three girls will be competing with the rest of the West Maui Powerlifting team on July 7 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu.

The West Maui Powerlifting team trains at Valley Isle Fitness Center in Lahaina and is coached by Craig DeSoto.