Powerlifter Casey Hearn from New Zealand competes in the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Winnipeg on Friday, September 18, 2026. (COMMONWEALTH POWERLIFTING / YOUTUBE)
More than 700 athletes from around the globe are in Winnipeg this weekend as the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships continue their run through September 27.
The meet covers classic and equipped competition, plus a standalone bench press championship, with divisions running from sub-junior through junior and open to masters, in weight classes from 47kg to over 120kg.
“Powerlifting is truly a sport for everyone, with athletes ranging in age from 14 to over 70, and in weight classes from 47kg to over 120kg,” said Susan Haywood of the organizing committee.
Athletes, coaches and referees have travelled in from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Nigeria, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago, joining the host nation for eight championships. A substantial part of the field is entered in more than one event, with more than 30 international referees officiating.
The oldest competitor in the field turns 82 this year.
Canada brings the most decorated lifter in the building in Rhaea Stinn, who competes on home soil in the equipped bench press event. Stinn holds several world championship titles and took gold at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, with a 229kg equipped bench press.
All 30 sessions are streaming for free on YouTube from the Holiday Inn Express Winnipeg Airport Polo Park.
