USAWA

by Chris Frappier

The True North True Strength 2024 Open was a truly exhilarating event that set a new benchmark in Canadian weightlifting. Held at Anytime Fitness in Fergus, Ontario, on Sunday, August 25, 2024, this USAWA-sanctioned international competition marked a historic first for Canada, and it was nothing short of spectacular.

With 20 athletes—16 from Canada and four from the United States—the event was a vibrant showcase of both seasoned lifters and enthusiastic newcomers. Remarkably, aside from Chris Frappier and his son Kyle Frappier, all the Canadian athletes were making their debut in a USAWA event. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, with around 40 to 50 spectators, including gym members and family, adding to the excitement. The crowd’s thunderous cheers not only lifted the lifters’ spirits but also created a thrilling challenge, making it a bit tough for them to catch the officials’ “down” command.

Clint Poore, from the USA, added a special touch as the event emcee. His deep-toned voice, Southern Kentucky charm, and infectious sense of humor amplified the event’s excitement and kept the audience engaged throughout the day. His vibrant presence made the event even more memorable and enjoyable.

The competition was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring the Hackenschmidt Floor Press and the Trap Bar Deadlift. Clint Poore set a new national record with an impressive 430-pound Hackenschmidt Floor Press. Five Canadian women made history by setting or breaking world records: Alix McGregor, Aimee Young, Amanda Martinoni, Judy Hutchison, and Denise Bowen. On the men’s side, the Trap Bar Deadlift also saw two world records rewritten: one by Clint Poore, who surpassed his own record, and another by Chris Frappier, who shattered a 20-year-old record with a phenomenal 500-pound lift. Additionally, Beth Skwarecki and Allison Lupo from the USA set national records, with Beth also establishing a world record in the Trap Bar Deadlift. A complete list of the results from the main competition: “True North True Strength 2024 Open” and the “True North True Strength Record Session A” listed below this article. Both competitions were USAWA sanctioned events.

Music played a crucial role in maintaining high energy levels throughout the competition. A special Spotify playlist featuring songs submitted by the athletes themselves added a personal touch and kept everyone motivated. The “True North True Strength 2024 Open” official competition playlist is available on Spotify, allowing everyone to relive the electrifying atmosphere of the event.

The day was filled with personal bests and inspiring moments. We witnessed 78-year-old Alix McGregor from Canada competing for the first time and setting a world record in the Trap Bar Deadlift for her age and bodyweight division. Not to be outdone, 79-year-old Joe Somfay, also from Canada, achieved an impressive three world records in the afternoon records session. Canadian athletes collectively set 18 world records, while American competitors added another eight to the tally.

The afternoon record session provided an opportunity for athletes to attempt world records across over 200 possible lifts. Chris Frappier, who organized the event in honor of his late mother and to support women in the sport, reflected on the day’s success with pride. The event was a celebration of incredible achievements and a testament to the strength and unity of the weightlifting community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our local Centre Wellington community sponsors whose support made this event possible: Anytime Fitness (Fergus location), ALCO Visuals, Grand River Physiotherapy, co-operators Craig Janzen & Associates Inc., Graham A. Giddy Funeral Homes Ltd., Wightman Telecom, Two Wheel Motorsport, YOUTOPIA Medical Spa, Station Earth, Summit Laser and Manufacturing Ltd., and H&R Machine. Special thanks also go to our event sponsors: Popeye’s Supplements (Guelph location), Nemesis Grips, and Inclusive Fitness. Your support was instrumental in making this event a grand success.

A big thank you to our dedicated volunteers—Paula Frappier, Tommy Forsythe, Chris Garland, and Gerry & Teresa Brummelhuis—whose hard work and dedication were crucial in ensuring the smooth running of the event. Your contributions were deeply appreciated.

We are also incredibly grateful to our officials, Beth Skwarecki, Tony Lupo, and Clint Poore, who traveled from the USA to officiate the event. Their commitment, passion, and expertise were essential in making the competition a resounding success.

For more event-related posts and content, follow @truenorth_truestrength on Instagram or Chris Frappier on Facebook.

If you’re interested in participating in future weightlifting events, check out the “Upcoming Events” list on the USAWA website at USAWA or visit IAWA for more information.

The True North True Strength 2024 Open will be cherished not only for its record-breaking feats but also for the inspiring spirit and community that defined this unforgettable day.

Overall Results

National records (US)

Lift: Hackenschmidt Floor Press

#	Name	Country	Gender	KG Class	Age	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)	Record Type
1	Beth Skwarecki	USA	F	70 KG	40+	245	111.1	National
2	Clint Poore	USA	M	115 KG	50+	430	195.0	national

Lift: Trap Bar Deadlift

#	Name	Country	Gender	KG Class	Age	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)	Record Type
1	Beth Skwarecki	USA	F	70 KG	40+	305	138.3	National
2	Allison Lupo	USA	F	90 KG	55+	200	90.7	National
3	Clint Poore	USA	M	115 kg	50+	475	215.5	National

World records

Lift: Trap Bar Deadlift

#	Name	Country	Gender	KG Class	Age	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)	Record Type
1	Beth Skwarecki	USA	F	70 KG	40+	305	138.3	World
2	Aimee Young	CANADA	F	65 KG	45+	255	115.7	World
3	Alix McGregor	CANADA	F	55 KG	75+	130	59.0	World
4	Judy Hutchison	CANADA	F	115 KG	50+	240	108.9	World
5	Denise Bowen	CANADA	F	65 KG	60+	230	104.3	World
6	Clint Poore	USA	M	115 KG	50+	475	215.5	World
7	Chris Frappier	CANADA	M	95 KG	55+	500	226.8	World

Record session

Lift	Name	Country	Gender	KG Class	Age	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)	Record Type
Turkish Getup	Beth Skwarecki	USA	F	70 KG	40+	50	22.7	World & National
Reflex Clean & Push Press	Beth Skwarecki	USA	F	70 KG	40+	115	52.2	World & National
One Hand (Left) Mix Team Deadlift with Chris Frappier	Beth Skwarecki	USA	F	95 KG	40+	405	183.7	World
One Hand (Left) Mix Team Deadlift with Beth Skwarecki	Chris Frappier	CANADA	M	95 KG	40+	405	183.7	World
Team Deadlift (Mix) with Tony Lupo	Allison Lupo	USA	F	110 KG	55+	450	204.1	World & National
Team Deadlift (Mix) with Allison Lupo	Tony Lupo	USA	M	110 KG	55+	450	204.1	World & National
Turkish Getup	Tony Lupo	USA	M	110 KG	55+	10	4.5	World & National
Clean & Push Press – 2 Dumbbells	Tony Lupo	USA	M	110 KG	55+	100	45.4	National
Turkish Getup	Amanda Martinoni	CANADA	F	80 KG	Open	50	22.7	World
Dumbbell Walk (Right Hand)	Amanda Martinoni	CANADA	F	80 KG	Open	48	21.8	World
Turkish Getup	Aimee Young	CANADA	F	65 KG	45+	62	28.1	World
Dumbbell Walk (Right Hand)	Aimee Young	CANADA	F	65 KG	45+	50	22.7	World
Turkish Getup	Denise Bowen	CANADA	F	65 KG	60+	35	15.9	World
Dumbbell Walk (Right Hand)	Denise Bowen	CANADA	F	65 KG	60+	36	16.3	World
Turkish Getup	Nathan Joyes	CANADA	M	100 KG	40+	70	31.8	World
Overhead Squat	Nathan Joyes	CANADA	M	100 KG	40+	115	52.2	World
Shanks Lift (Dinnie Deadlift)	Joe Somfay	CANADA	M	85 KG	75+	285	129.3	World
Dumbbell Walk (Right Hand)	Joe Somfay	CANADA	M	85 KG	75+	50	22.7	World
Dumbbell Walk (Left Hand)	Joe Somfay	CANADA	M	85 KG	75+	50	22.7	World

Updated 9/2/2024 to correct the trap bar record list. Amanda Martinioni’s 4th attempt for record was incorrectly recorded as a successful lift, and this has now been corrected.