Strength is building in the city of St. John’s. After a recent competition, could powerlifting be taking over the athletic community in the city?
Taylor Ryan
Kicker
The sport of powerlifting is becoming more and more popular on northeast Avalon Peninsula.
On Jan. 12, the Last Chance National Powerlifting Qualifier took place. The meet brought athletes from across the metro region to the Paradise Double Ice Complex.
With the sport becoming more popular in the city, there will be an impact on the community.
“With its popularity, it has sparked a bigger interest, and people of all ages, no matter how athletic, realize they can do it too” said Kim Connors, a long-time lifter who competed in the meet.
Connors began her career in the sport when she decided to try out a local gym that offered classes with an experienced coach.
“I tried out the class and was hooked. There was something empowering about lifting heavy.”
Connors now holds six provincial records for her age and weight class. She is heading to Ottawa in March to compete in the Canadian nationals.
Youth interest grows
Eighteen year-old Alexandra Hodder, who is relatively new to the sport, says the sport is becoming very popular with younger females.
“I could never picture myself lifting very heavy weights” Hodder said. She started lifting in March 2018 and has seen early success. Her first competition was Saturday, and she won gold.
“Females doing lifting has always been quite rare, but there has been an abundance of support for female lifters.”
Hodder was the youngest among the female competitors at Saturday’s meet. Though early in her career, she has learned the value of perseverance.
“It is easy to give up at times, but having ambition will allow you to push past obstacles and find success,” she said.
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