The 2024 IPF World Bench Press Championships are underway in Austin, Texas and Cynthia Leighton, a seasoned powerlifter hailing from Prince Rupert, has already made her mark.
Competing in the Masters 63 kg unequipped category, Leighton clinched the gold, adding another significant achievement to her decade-long powerlifting journey.
The championship running from May 21 to June 2 draws athletes from around the globe who have proven their mettle by winning national titles.
香蕉视频直播淚 competed in bench only, and the selection was from all over the world,香蕉视频直播� Leighton said.
Leighton香蕉视频直播檚 journey to the top, however, has not been without challenges.
Originally from Terrace, she relocated to Prince Rupert about a decade ago. Living in the northwest proved difficult, particularly due to the isolation from major powerlifting communities.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 expensive for travel, most of the provincial meets are in the Lower Mainland. For many years, I was left to train alone or with one or two people,香蕉视频直播� she recalled.
Despite those hurdles Leighton found a supportive community in Rupert which has kept her motivated through the solitary nature of her training.
Leighton香蕉视频直播檚 love for powerlifting traces back to her teenage years in Terrace, where she worked at North Coast Health and Fitness when she was 15. It was there she met Ernie Milhomens, a world-champion powerlifter, who became a lifelong inspiration and supporter.
香蕉视频直播淲hen I posted on social media about winning the gold medal, he sent me a message saying how proud he was. It was a really full-circle moment, 25 years later, to still be in touch with someone who inspired me so much,香蕉视频直播� Leighton said.
Despite intense training and competition pressures, she maintains a grounded perspective.
香蕉视频直播淒uring meets, I let my coaches do their jobs and remind myself that the worst-case scenario isn香蕉视频直播檛 life or death. It香蕉视频直播檚 normal to experience stress and nervousness, It香蕉视频直播檚 a part of being an athlete,香蕉视频直播� she said.
Looking ahead, Leighton has her sights on the 2025 Nationals and hopes to defend her world title at the next World Bench Press Championships in Norway.
香蕉视频直播淭he Finland coach came and talked to me afterwards. He was like, 香蕉视频直播榃e香蕉视频直播檒l see you in Norway next year. We香蕉视频直播檙e coming for you,香蕉视频直播� I just thought 香蕉视频直播楥hill out, man. It香蕉视频直播檚 just a hobby.香蕉视频直播� But yes, I aim to defend my title.香蕉视频直播�
Cindy香蕉视频直播檚 husband, Lance has been a pillar of support throughout her journey.
香蕉视频直播淗e is my number one strength and support in this journey,香蕉视频直播� she emphasized.
Talking to Black Press Media while in the gym with her 13- and 15-year-olds, Leighton advised young women aspiring to be powerlifters to 香蕉视频直播楪et in the gym, don香蕉视频直播檛 be shy, and find your passion.香蕉视频直播�
香蕉视频直播淚t can take years. I香蕉视频直播檝e been lifting competitively for 10 years. Just find what you love doing, and keep doing it.香蕉视频直播�
She also dismissed any concerns about stigma surrounding women in powerlifting, especially concerning pregnancies.
香蕉视频直播淚 lifted while I was pregnant and have several friends who have competed while pregnant. It香蕉视频直播檚 all about being safe. I香蕉视频直播檝e never faced any negative reactions about being a woman in this sport at all,香蕉视频直播� she said.
Leighton is also a strong advocate for the inclusion of powerlifting in the Olympics.
香蕉视频直播淚f we have speed walking in Olympics, why not powerlifting? International Powerlifting Federation is drug tested by the World Anti-Doping Association, just like the Olympics. We are trying to be consistent, fair and stringent. I hope to see it in the next 10 years,香蕉视频直播� she said.
