Tenison Woods College exchange student Sydney Wilson (pitured) has lifted a series of records in powerlifting at the 618 Powerlifting Novice Competition in Adelaide.
The Canadian teenager set four South Australian records, two Australian national records and two world records as well as winning the entire competition.
The powerlifter signed up to Ragnarok Power Gym while in Australia and trained with the team while still being coached virtually from back home.
“I have been getting so much information and help from Carly and Phil,” she said.
“The gym has got everything a powerlifter could ever dream of, I am so grateful for their help.
“Two girls at the gym who I have been training with were due to compete at an upcoming event in Adelaide and encouraged me to do the same, so I signed myself up.
“The opportunity to attend this competition in Adelaide proved too good to pass up, so I thought I would give it a go.”
Sydney said she was not expecting much at the competition and as such was blown away by winning the whole event and all the female categories.
“At the meet in Adelaide, I was thrilled to see there were 26 women and 14 men at this meet,” she said.
“This is something I have never seen, with such a strong involvement from women in the sport of powerlifting.”
Sydney has now set her sights firmly on making the Canadian national team.
“Luckily these were unofficial records because if they go in the books Australia will try and steal me for their team, as I have already beaten all of their scores for the sub juniors, but I really want to compete for Canada,” she said.
“Regionals are in July and I’m projected to win.
“If I do win, I will attend the world championships on the Canadian team.
“Worlds 2024 is being hosted in Turkey in August next year and I really hope I make the team.
“I turned 16 years old in December and in the sport of powerlifting, juniors is between 19 and 23 years old, so I will be a junior come 2025, which will not be in my favour but I will have plenty of opportunities to progress in the sport.”
