ERIC Dumas has the weight of the world on his shoulders – the hefty weight of power-lifting world titles and trophies.
And he shouldered yet another title at the weekend when named Moree Plains Shire Sportsperson of the Year.
Mr Dumas was unable to attend the Australia Day awards ceremony at Jellicoe Park, but said afterwards he was incredibly honoured and deeply grateful to receive the award.
“This recognition is an incredible honour and means more than a few words can express,” Mr Dumas said.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks for having been chosen for this award. It is a true privilege, and I feel truly humbled to be in such deserving company with past recipients.
“This award serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have as athletes – not just to compete, but to inspire, motivate, and give back to our community.
“I will continue to work hard, stay focused, and do my best to make you all proud,” he smiled.
Mr Dumas, a Moree dentist, last year won squat and deadlift events and amassed Masters’ 3 total points for age and body weight divisions (105kg) at the World and Commonwealth Masters Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa.
He collected the Commonwealth title from Canadians Sterling Nering and Ron Kilpatrick, and the following day he again outlifted Sterling to bring the world title back to Moree.
The dual success came after winning his age and body weight divisions at the Australian Nationals at Newcastle in June.
In 2024, Mr Dumas also set five Commonwealth Masters M3 powerlifting records, 14 Oceana Masters’ M3-M2 records and 26 Australian Masters M1-M2-M3 records.
Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse said Mr Dumas’s hard work, disciple and dedication inspired not only fellow athletes, but an entire community.
“Eric’s passion for powerlifting and relentless pursuit of excellence are a true testament to the Australian sporting spirit,” Cr Pearse said.
“He has not only excelled on the international stage, but has redefined excellence within his sport, and his achievements throughout 2024 are simply phenomenal,” she said.
Mr Dumas is currently training to this year defend his national, commonwealth and world titles.
“I’ve resumed training and will work on attaining weights closer to the current squat and deadlifts, as well as total age and weight class,” Mr Dumas said.
“The International Powerlifting Federation world records are targets.”
