Strong women, men compete in weightlifting event in Regina

May long weekend has brought in heavy lifters from across Canada along with the United States to showcase how much weight they can lift.

The War of the West Invitational and open meet, is a powerlifting competition being held at the Mettle Performance and training centre on Saturday. The open meet has an event for lifters of all skill levels. The afternoon invitational features the top seven men and women powerlifters in Western Canada. 

“You’re going to see women deadlifting close to 500 pounds, and you’ll see men deadlifting over 800 pounds,” said Tyler Harnett, Co-owner of Mettle Performance training centre.

On Sunday, the third annual War of the West Strongman competition will feature five of Western Canada’s professional status strongmen, along with seven of Western Canada’s top amateur strongmen. The top strongest man will receive compensation to compete at a Strongman Circuit competition within Canada. The amateur weight lift winner will receive their professional status to compete at further events.

For the first time, Sunday also features North America’s Strongest woman competition. 

“It’s going to be the biggest strong woman show in Canadian history,” said Harnett. “We’ve invited six of the best Americans and four of the best Canadians to battle it out for the title of North America’s strongest woman and the top three are actually going to get an invite to the world strong woman competition.”

Harnett adds that the amount of weight these women can lift is impeccable to watch.

“I think all 10 of those ladies can deadlift close to 600 pounds,” said Harnett. “You’re literally going to see some of the best talent from not only North America but the planet!”

The event is a family-friendly event, however, there will be a bar open inside the training centre so minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Harnett added a fundraiser BBQ in support of the Street Culture Kidz Project will be ongoing for the weekend events. Also, a big portion of the ticket sales to get into the event will be given to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan.

—With files from the 980 CJME Morning Show