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2024 World Masters Weightlifting Championships Bienvenue à nouveau aux maîtres d’haltérophilie canadiens !
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2024 World Masters Weightlifting Championships
Welcome back Canadian Masters Weightlifters!
It may have been a small Canadian group at the 2024 World Masters Weightlifting Championships, only 24 members, but they were strong contenders against the more numerous national groups. But that is understandable considering the financial investment in such international participation.
Special thanks are extended to each athlete who connected with another team member to help them transition into their new competitive environment. Guy Greavette volunteered countless hours to helping not only members of the BC group of Vikings Weightlifts, but also to any member when time permitted. Also, a thank you to Gordon Yard, who in collaboration with Guy Greavette, designed, worked with Fraser Valley Cresting in Abbotsord, BC, and arranged for delivery of Team T-shirts to our athletes.
Many of our members medaled; Five Golds, three Silvers five Bronzes. Four members broke Canadian Masters Records and World Masters Records: Judy Quinn, Frances Robson, Elaine Mori, Gord Yard. Alain Bilodeau and Tin Ly broke Canadian Masters Records. Two members were awarded best lifters in their age category: Gord Yard, Mens 60-64, and Alain Bilodeau, Mens 55-59.
Our Womens Team was awarded Third Place at the 2024 World Masters Weightlifting Championships. Our heartiest congratulations to Jeanette Perry, Yael Barak, Carol Akasaka, Stella Purac, Martine Larvière, Cybèle Lanthier, Elaine Mori, Frances Robson, Ruth Stewart, and Judy Quinn. Carol Akasaka was appointed as the Guardian of the Award and will “guard”/keep this Award until further notice from WCHM.
With perhaps some rest and sharing their experiences on their social networks, our athletes are no doubt developing their workout programs in preparation for some remaining provincial open competitions of 2024. I know many will be all hyped up for their 2025 Provincial Masters Championships which take place between February and April.
2024 Grand Masters U45
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2024 Grand Masters U45 (Under 45)
Beginning this year, WCHM initiated a Grand Masters Award to athletes who are in the age categories up to and including Age Category 40-44. The current SMF and SHMF, though representing a needed improvement from the Sinclair Formula and eventually with an upgrade to include Women athletes, still makes it exceedingly difficult for athletes in these categories to acquire formulated totals needed to win a Grand Masters Award. The Grand Masters U45 was created to address this shortcoming in our current ranking formulae for Masters.
The two recipients of the 2024 U45 Grand Masters' awards were James Johnson of 646 Weightlifting Club in Toronto, Ontario, and Michelle Page of Battlefield Strength in Hamilton, Ontario.
Michelle and James received their Awards after competing at the 2024 Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships in Rouyn-Noranda in July. Here is Michelle displaying WCHM’s first Womens U45 Grand Master Award.
Congratulations are extended to Michelle Page and James Johnson, their coaches and sponsor Cégep Abitibi Témiscamingue and Club Halterophilie Hercales de Rouyn Noranda.
WCHM Member inducted into IMWA Hall of Fame
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JUDITH QUINN
IMWA Hall of Fame Inductee
Judy was born in 1948 in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. She was first introduced into Olympic Weightlifting at Variety Village, Toronto, while exercising with a friend, became interested and started her lifting journey at age 50. The journey continues to this day.
Judy has participated in fifteen World Masters Championships over a span of twenty-five years, earning thirteen gold medals and one bronze medal, so far, as well as eleven gold medals at Pan American Masters Weightlifting Championships. She has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of both Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters and the Pan American Masters Weightlifting Federation.
Judy has also contributed of masters weightlifting by serving as the Records Secretary and Membership Secretary of Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters for many years, and currently operates Garden City Weightlifting Club in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, a club that has existed for over fifty years. This club originally started by Donald Schoures.
After induction in the World Masters Weightlifting Hall of Fame, Judy’s only remaining goal is to compete at the World Masters Weightlifting Championships when she is eighty years old.
WCHM/IMWA 2024/09/07
Calgary to host 2025 Canadian Weightlifting Championships
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Alberta Weightlifting Association and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters
Announce Calgary as Host City for 2025 Canadian Masters Nationals
Calgary, Alberta — The Alberta Weightlifting Association (AWA) and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters
(WCHM) are delighted to announce that AWA has been selected as the host organization for WCHM’s 2025 Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships, which will take place on June 27 to 29, 2025 at the Genesis Centre in Calgary, Alberta.
"I am pleased to announce that AWA will be hosting the 2025 Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships,” commented Mark Gomes, President of WCHM. “This marks a historic first for a provincial weightlifting organization to host these Championships. The Alberta Weightlifting Association is to be congratulated for taking this bold step in inter-weightlifting organizational collaboration."
AWA’s bid proposal was in partnership with Tourism Calgary and is anticipated to bring over 350 masters athletes, coaches, technical officials and volunteers from across Canada. “Canadian Masters Nationals have typically been in mid-July for us, but when AWA proposed an earlier timing that leads into Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s most iconic events plus the proximity to the Canadian Rockies, we were very excited about this,” continues Gomes. “Our masters athletes often coincide vacation planning with their competitions and when our national championship hasn’t been out west in eight years, the timing is perfect to kick-off the summer and is a great opportunity for athletes to stay and vacation after.” Calgary Stampede in 2025 will be July 4 through 13.
“We’re thrilled that Calgary has been selected to host this prestigious event,” said Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President of Sales with Tourism Calgary. “We look forward to welcoming participants during a time of year when our community spirit and warm western hospitality are on full display leading into the Calgary Stampede. There is no better time of year to experience the vibrancy and activity in Calgary and we look forward to hosting everyone.” The Canadian Weightlifting Masters Championship is the premier annual event for Canadian master weightlifters ages 30 to 99 years old. This competition represents the pinnacle of achievement in our sport at the national level for masters weightlifters, many of whom go on to compete at Pan-AM Masters Championship, World Masters Championships or World Masters Games.
“Weightlifting is one of the oldest sports, with a rich history dating back to ancient times having been part of the Olympic movement since the first modern Games in 1896,” remarked Alana Yim, President of the Alberta Weightlifting Association. “We’re excited to bring our communities together to share our passion for weightlifting with more Albertans and Canadians and promote health and wellness whether you’re nine years old or 99 years old. It’s truly a sport for all ages and abilities.”
Olympic weightlifting is a dynamic and highly skilled sport that involves two main lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Athletes lift a weighted barbell from the ground to overhead in a series of powerful and precise movements, showcasing strength, speed, and technique. Recognized for its emphasis on explosive power and athleticism, Olympic weightlifting is not only a competitive sport but also a popular training method for enhancing overall fitness and athletic performance.
Alberta Weightlifting Association and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters
Announce Calgary as Host City for 2025 Canadian Masters Nationals
About Alberta Weightlifting Association
Established in 1958 and incorporated in 1974, Alberta Weightlifting Association is the governing body for the sport of Olympic weightlifting in Alberta. AWA promotes safe sport, fair play, and dope-free principles and provides a range of services to its members, including hosting competitions, development and certification pathways for coaches and technical officials, and athlete development programs. AWA is federated under the national sports organization (NSO) Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie and adheres to the rules of the International Weightlifting Federation. AWA is a not-for-profit organization that operates under an all-volunteer Executive elected by AWA members.
About Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters
Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters (WCHM) is a federally incorporated, not-for-profit, Canadian sports organization dedicated to the promotion and development of Masters Olympic weightlifting across Canada, and is affiliated with the International Masters Weightlifting Association (IMWA). WCHM fosters a spirit of equity and fair play while encouraging a lifelong commitment to fitness and health. WCHM organizes national competitions and events, provides resources and support for athletes, coaches, and officials, and collaborates with provincial associations to enhance the weightlifting community. WCHM is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes athletes of all ages and skill levels including adaptive athletes competing as para weightlifters.
Tourism Calgary
Tourism Calgary is the official destination management organization for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice. With a vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally, and internationally and advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors, conventions, and events, and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable, memorable experiences. In 2023, Calgary saw an estimated 8.4 million visitors and a resulting visitor spend of $2.9 billion.
For more information, please contact:
| Alana Yim
President Alberta Weightlifting Association E: president@albertaweightlifting.com |
Mark Gomes
President Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters Federation E: president@wchmasters.org |
Manon Poulin – Récipiendaire du Prix de Réalisation de Durée de Vie 2024 de la WCHM
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Manon Poulin - Recipient of the 2024 WCHM Lifetime Achievement Award
Manon Poulin joined the Canadian Masters Weightlifters in its early days. Since becoming a member in 1999, Manon has been a strong presence on the national and international scene as one of our most admired ambassadors.
Not only is Manon an active member of Club Relève, Québec, but also its president and head coach since 2018. Manon has coached many masters weightlifters, helped organize several competitions (such as the 2006 Pan American Weightlifting Championships in St-Sauveur) and serves as an international technical official of Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie.
However, Manon is primarily known for her success as a Masters Weightlifter. She has competed in fifteen Canadian Masters Championships, winning many golds as well as fifteen World Masters Championships. Her accomplishments have earned her three Hall of Fame Awards, from Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters, the Pan American Masters Weightlifting Federation, and the IMWA (International Masters Weightlifting Association).
Over her years with WCHM, Manon has broken 21 records (Snatch 8, Clean and Jerk 7, and Total 6). Manon was recently appointed, along with André Boutin, as the Quebec Representatives for WCHM and continues to be a very special person with the Canadian Masters. Congratulations, Manon Poulin. Your family at Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters is very proud of you and your accomplishments in our sport of Masters Weightlifting.
Grands Maîtres 2024 Grand Masters
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GRAND MASTERS 2024
Another National Championship has concluded with great success. WCHM wishes to thank Club Héracles of Rouyn-Noranda for their exemplary organization of this event. The Grand Masters Awards are determined by recognizing the highest SM(H)M points of all the participating athletes. All athletes are eligible for the Grand Masters Award , however only athletes within the 30-44 age categories are eligible for the U45 Grand Masters Award. The U45 is a new WCHM initiative that recognizes the athleticism, dedication and commitment of the younger members of the WCHM Masters weightlifting community.
This year the Grand Master of the Women is Isabelle Gauthier from Montreal’s Club Re-Lève and coached by Evgueni Romanov. This year’s Grand Master of the Men is Marcel Perron, from Montreal’s Club Halt-Héros. Isabelle and Marcel are not new to the Masters weightlifting awarded community. They have both been the recipient of numerous masters weightlifting awards both nationally and internationally.
We welcome our new Grand Masters, the U45. This year’s Grand Master of the Women is Michelle Page of Hamilton. Michelle is from Club Battlefield Strength and credits her coach Cody Taylor for all his enthusiasm and hard work helping her reach her goals.
The U45 Grand Master for the Men is James Johnson. James is coached by Paul Medeiros at Toronto’s 646 Weightlifting Club. Weightlifting Club 646 is another Ontario Weightlifting Association club that is proud to have Masters members pursuing their aspirations to competitively participate in provincial, national and international masters weightlifting events.
For this level of successful masters athletes, we can be assured that all Grand Masters are trained by well experienced coaches in welcoming weightlifting clubs and supported by their Provincial Weightlifting Associations. So, final kudos to Fédération d’Haltérophilie du Québec and to Ontario Weightlifting Association for supporting and promoting all of their weightlifting clubs.