Uganda powerlifter Roy Mubiru is elated after picking another medal from the Arnold Classic Festival held at the Greater Columbus Convention Centre and Ohio Expo Centre early this month.

Mubiru, 45, was one of over 20000 athletes that competed in the different sporting events of the annual festival that featured the world's best physique and strength sports, including the 35th Annual Arnold Classic organised by the Xtreme Powerlifting Coalition (XPC). 

He competed in the deadlift salute and the bench press attempts.

Having failed in his three bench-press attempts, Mubiru recovered in the deadlift to lift a total of 1025kgs and in the squats where he made 890kgs to pick another medal in his category (heavyweight).

Mubiru (right) with another medalist from Ukraine. Courtesy Photo

“Winning another medal means a lot in my career because I have become the first Ugandan to win a medal from the event. It adds to my CV and it is a big achievement in my career because the Arnold Classic is the biggest event and everyone that competes in bodybuilder, powerlifter, and strongman works hard to compete there,” Mubiru said.

Last December, Mubiru said he could be only two events away from retirement.

The Extreme Powerlifting Coalition organised Arnold Classic from which he won a medal and the world record break championship in June could be the last events for him.

As he celebrated his 45^th birthday on Monday, Mubiru said the Strongest Man Record Breaker World Championship next year could be his last piece of the action as his body has started to tire.

“My body is beginning to ask for a break so I will take it because family and business matters are also taking a good part of my time. So the Arnold Classic and the US World Strongman competitions will be the last for me,” Mubiru stated from his base in America.