Bonnyville powerlifter captures gold at 2021 North American Regional Powerlifting Championships

How sweet it is. Janine Hebert from Bonnyville has captured the gold as part of Team Canada for the 2021 North American Regional Powerlifting Championships in Orlando Florida.

She has set a possible deadlift record and overall record. Hebert squatted 152.5 kg, benched 92.5 kg, and deadlifted 185 kg at the championships for a total combined weight of 430 kg which is 947.98 pounds.

“I was disappointed with my numbers as I was looking to beat my personal record on all three lifts,” Hebert told Lakeland Connect humbly. “But my body didn’t hold up. It’s the nature of the sport.”

Hebert says it’s the longest competition she has ever done timing-wise.

“I was getting dizzy on my deadlift warm-ups and told my team coach that I didn’t even think I could lift an opener of 172.5 kg,” Hebert said. “The humidity got me hard. I didn’t think how hot it was and I knew I didn’t pack enough food.”

Her coach looked at her and said “You can.” Herbert dug deep and went up on stage and made it look easy.

“I was struggling,” Hebert said. “By this time I was five hours into the competition.”

Hebert says powerlifters love to eat and she didn’t which caused the struggle.

“It’s a fine balance of hydration and fueling the body to lift at its best,” Hebert said. ” Sometimes I get it right. Yesterday I got it wrong.”

Although she captured gold she was still disappointed in her performance.

“My coach Tim Nadeau was happy with how I did,” Hebert said. “It was my first time doing an international competition.”

Hebert says to have a chance to wear the maple leaf is and was a dream come true.

“To cheer on my fellow teammates was amazing,” Hebert told Lakeland Connect. “I’ll find out this evening if Team Canada takes home the overall team award.”

Hebert says 15 countries were represented at the competition.

“I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me,” Hebert said. “It means so much to bring a Pan American Championship back to Bonnyville.”

Lakeland Connect would like to say congratulations, Janine Hebert, you’re truly an inspiration.

Arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca