WEYBURN - Powerlifter Marnel Spencer of Weyburn was chosen to represent Team Canada at the North American Powerlifting Championships, held on Aug. 3 to 10 in Scottsdale, Ariz., and she came away with several medals and records.
In the classic competition on Monday, she lifted in the Master 3, 47kg (103 lb.) bodyweight category. She lifted one Commonwealth record, five North American records, and one national record, and received the gold medal.
She then lifted in the same age and weight class on Friday for the equipped competition.
“I was successful at a World Squat record of 120.5kg (266 lbs.), and also a World record total of 316.5 kg (just shy of 700 lbs.),” she said.
She also achieved two Commonwealth, seven North American, and four national records, received the gold medal, and also the award for “Best Female Master Equipped” lifter.
“It was truly an honour to represent Team Canada. I had major butterflies, but I was able to push through those nerves and lift what I knew I should be able to. After I missed my first squat attempt, I felt like the world record may be out of reach. I lifted my second squat and it felt really good. So my coach Ryan Fowler put the World Record on the bar for my final try, and I got it! It felt really good!,” said Marnel of her experience.
“I was beyond happy that Ryan flew down for my equipped day on Friday. I honestly don’t know how I would have done without him there.”
Her plan going forward is to help Fowler coach some athletes at the Olympia In Depth meet in September, and then go to Provincials in Saskatoon to volunteer.
“I’m thinking I’ll lift next at Nationals in February, which is in Moose Jaw,” Marnel added.
