A Swift Current woman lifted her way to provincial glory Saturday, winning gold at the Saskatchewan Powerlifting Championships.
Jaycee Neigum won the women’s 84-kilogram class in Saskatoon, lifting a combined 385 kilograms across three events to finish 120 kilograms ahead of second-place Ayla Murray.
Neigum began competing in the sport at the 2025 Saskatchewan Powerlifting Championships, where she placed second.
“Being able to take home first this year, with dealing with an injury was a pretty good win,” she said. “Not having the best day and still being able to place first was really good.”
Personal bests despite injury
Neigum set a competition personal best with her third squat attempt at 142.5 kilograms. She followed that with an 82.5-kilogram bench press and reached 160 kilograms on her second deadlift attempt.
Her total of 385 kilograms, while dealing with a tweaked knee, marked a 15-kilogram improvement from the provincial championships in September 2025.
Finding strength in competition
Neigum has been lifting on and off for about seven years and says she has always enjoyed being in the gym.
“I stopped when I had all three of my kids in between and made sure I got back into it once I was ready,” she said. “Competing was something I really wanted to do to prove to myself I could constantly improve in something, and make some memories along the way.”
She said the sport provides a powerful outlet while also setting an example for her children.
“Lifting weights has always been something that I’ve done as a way to deal with my own mental stuff,” she said. “It’s something that lets you have time for you, and build on just you. When you’re a mom you pour a lot of energy into everybody else and this was something I could do for me.
“Also show my kids it’s possible to really do anything that you set your mind to. You can always improve on something no matter how hard times may be, you can have an outlet where you can really express yourself and work towards.”
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Coaching others and looking ahead
Aside from competing, Neigum owns From The Ground Up Coaching. Her background in psychology helps her work with and train mothers, including some experiencing postpartum challenges.
“Being able to see other people really step into their best selves has been really good for me,” she said. “It’s something I’m really good at helping people through. Sometimes they don’t feel like they’re confident and comfortable to step out of their shell, so working with that demographic has really helped me in a way. I love seeing people truly step into themselves.”
The provincial championship earned Neigum a spot at the 2026 Canada Powerlifting Western Canadian Championships in Saskatoon from October 1 to 4.
“My goal right now is to prep for that, and put a little bit more on my total,” she said. “Hopefully qualify for nationals at that event in October.”
