by Breann Thiessen
Christine Castro
Christine Castro hails from a small farming town that is known for being the home of the largest beaver statue in the world, Beaverlodge. However, coming from a small town did not stop Christine’s athletic pursuits as she went on to play varsity level basketball. Through basketball is where she was first exposed to lifting weights, but she would have never guessed that one day she would step on the platform for her first powerlifting competition in August, at the 2015 Evolve Open in Edmonton, Alberta. Not only did she surprise herself during her first competition, but also the entire province of Alberta when she took the provincial deadlift record as a 63 kg Junior pulling a whopping 175 kg (385 lbs). Along with lifting these records, she also took home the prize of best female lifter with a wilks score of 405. |
One year prior to this competition is when Christine tested her maximum squat and hit 102 kg, which is a far cry from her 137.5 kg squat that she smashed during the Evolve Open (that is a 78 lb difference). Testing her squat, along with the encouragement from her boyfriend is what motivated Christine to eventually sign up with the Strength Athletes and focus completely on powerlifting. Overall, she had only trained 10 weeks before competing in her first powerlifting competition and needless to say she has a bright future in the sport. Christine aspires to one day make the national team and compete on the world stage. Now, not only is Beaverlodge home of one of the biggest animal statues in Alberta, it is also home to one of the biggest deadlifters in the province.
Alfred Jong
A little more than one year ago is when Alfred Jong decided he wanted to enter the world of competitive powerlifting. However, with having very little experience with the sport, Alfred turned to a fellow lifter in order to learn the rules and regulations of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and decided that powerlifting was indeed the sport for him. Along with other local meets, Alfred has competed at the 2014 Western Canadian Championships, and the 2015 Canadian National Championships. |
Throughout his competitions Alfred has successfully claimed the Alberta provincial records for bench press, deadlift and overall total for the 59 kg weight division. This past August at the 2015 Bay Noppers Memorial Alfred claimed the prize of best overall male lifter by hitting a squat of 160 kg (352 lbs), a bench press of 110.5 kg (243 lbs), and a deadlift 220 kg (484 lbs) earning him a wilks score of 425.5
Now, to reach the national level and claim provincial records the first year of powerlifting is a feat for any athlete. However, not only has Alfred succeeded in performing on the national stage and tagging some records to his name, he has also established his own club along with fellow lifter, Rhonda Wong. Alfred and Rhonda are the founders of the Lab Rat Powerlifting (LRP) club based out of Evolve Fitness in Edmonton, Alberta. Both of these athletes have only been powerlifting for one year and this past August they decided to host their first competition, the 2015 Evolve Open. The LRP club is the home club for approximately 20 members and their numbers are increasing fast. Their increased popularity is attributed to their central mission of making sure that all their athletes have the best possible experience at every meet. Alfred and Rhonda have worked hard to ensure that their club is open to all levels of lifters by providing an environment where experienced lifters can mentor novice lifters. The LRP strives to show that not only is Alberta Powerlifting the strongest sport in the province, but also the most supportive.
Now, to reach the national level and claim provincial records the first year of powerlifting is a feat for any athlete. However, not only has Alfred succeeded in performing on the national stage and tagging some records to his name, he has also established his own club along with fellow lifter, Rhonda Wong. Alfred and Rhonda are the founders of the Lab Rat Powerlifting (LRP) club based out of Evolve Fitness in Edmonton, Alberta. Both of these athletes have only been powerlifting for one year and this past August they decided to host their first competition, the 2015 Evolve Open. The LRP club is the home club for approximately 20 members and their numbers are increasing fast. Their increased popularity is attributed to their central mission of making sure that all their athletes have the best possible experience at every meet. Alfred and Rhonda have worked hard to ensure that their club is open to all levels of lifters by providing an environment where experienced lifters can mentor novice lifters. The LRP strives to show that not only is Alberta Powerlifting the strongest sport in the province, but also the most supportive.
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