While Wayne Cormier led the way with a dominant showing, a group of emerging Swift Current athletes also gained valuable experience at the Global Powerlifting Committee Canadian Championships in Edmonton.
The athletes, representing the Iron Office gym, competed across multiple divisions in what gym owner Hayden Cappelle described as a strong developmental weekend.
“It was really cool having a guy that’s been in the sport forever, and then we had guys in their first year or first competition,” Cappelle said. “It’s nice getting the experience helping out the new people and the next generation.”
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Mixed results for developing athletes
Mason Pederson competed in the 100-kilogram class.
“He got a personal best in bench and a personal best in squat,” Cappelle said.
However, Pederson fell short in his strongest event, the deadlift, after narrowly missing an early attempt.
“He got it most of the way locked out, but just didn’t quite lock his shoulders back,” Cappelle said. “You could tell his back was not going to let him do it after that.”
Because he did not register a successful deadlift, Pederson was unable to post an overall total score.
“That’s part of the sport,” Capelle said. “It’s a good learning lesson.”
Breakthrough performance despite adversity
Jordy Leschinsky competed in the 110-kilogram division and exceeded expectations, particularly in the bench press.
“He did very good, better than he had thought,” Cappelle said. “He said it was one of the best days of his life.”
Leschinsky also overcame a physical challenge, competing with a birth defect affecting his right hand and adapting his technique to complete lifts.
“He wasn’t going to do the deadlift,” Cappelle said. “But they told him he could use a strap, so he did end up doing it.”
Building a local powerlifting community
Cappelle said the competition highlighted the growth of powerlifting in Swift Current, particularly among younger athletes.
“It’s becoming a lot more popular,” he said. “We’ve had even young girls, 11, 13 years old, coming in interested in doing powerlifting.”
He added that the team atmosphere remains a key part of the sport’s appeal.
“It’s an individual sport, but the team camaraderie and support is always very good,” Cappelle said. “That’s what I really enjoy.”
As the local scene continues to develop, Cappelle said events like nationals provide a valuable stepping stone for athletes at all levels.
“It’s just getting people into fitness, improving their health, challenging themselves.”
