True North True Strength 2024 Open: A Celebratory Milestone in Canadian Weightlifting [RESULTS]
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.