Canadian powerlifters compete in Regina to qualify for world championships

WATCH: Athletes from across Canada travelled to Regina for this year’s powerlifting and single lift championships.

Athletes across Canada travelled to Regina over the weekend for this year’s Canadian Powerlifting and Single Lift Championships.

Organized by the Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC) the event provides an opportunity for athletes to qualify and compete at the 2025 GPC World Championships in Brazil this fall.

“People just lift because they want to push themselves, but you know there’s avenues to take from here,” shared Brian Johnston, GPC’s president.

“A lot of these lifters have qualified to go to Brazil for the World Championships in October. Hopefully we send a very strong team down to show what Canada’s got.”

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The competitive strength sport involves lifting maximum weight through three different lifts such as squat, bench press and deadlift. The two-day event saw around 10 lifters, both men and women.

Johnston said because the sport has become more popular over the last few years, it has grown into a “very supportive” community.

“Especially since COVID, people found their way back into the gyms and they wanted to lift heavy,” he explained.

“People like to test themselves and all of a sudden the sport itself, they start seeing others lifting and it’s huge now. It’s really promising for our country.”

With many of the lifters residing in Regina, Johnston said the organization is always pleased to host the national event in the city.

“We have to say thank you to Regina, the best amateur sport city in Canada,” he expressed.

“We love it here. They always host us so well and we’re always excited to be here.”