Two world records? How about a third? And a bunch more Canadian records. And beating the competitors in the weight class above her.
Yes, it was a pretty good sophomore powerlifting competition for Medicine Hat’s Lisa Gervais.
In Virginia for the Raw Powerlifting world championships this past Friday, the 28-year-old set new association marks in the women’s 82.5 kg division — one in which she was the only competitor.
Not that it would’ve mattered.
“Wow,” she said Tuesday. “It was incredible. The people there, everyone was so strong, it was inspiring.”
After catching the eye of many in the city with an impressive performance at Crescent Heights High School in August, Gervais was sponsored by Back Alley Fitness owner Colin DeWolfe who also coached her leading up to worlds.
DeWolfe says he’s not even sure where her ceiling is when it comes to lifting.
“Certain lifts are going to be slower to progress,” he said. “We haven’t slowed down in our progression, which is a very good sign.
“On the weekend… She came out and performed like a true athlete, so focused, calm the entire time.”
Now for the numbers. After a squat of 141 kilograms in August, this past Friday she pushed through 152.5. Her bench press went from 85 to 98, also a new world Raw record. And her deadlift went from 157.5 to 183 kg, just short of the world record but enough for a Canadian one. All told, the total of 433.5 kg lifted was a new world mark.
“I’m excited to see what the next few competitions hold for me. This is just the start,” said Gervais.
“I was impressed with her performance and I think she was too,” added DeWolfe.
Next up is a meet in January in Calgary. From there? That’s a question yet to be answered.
Courtesy of: Medicine Hat News