The 2024 IPF World Bench Press Championships are underway in Austin, Texas and Cynthia Leighton, a seasoned powerlifter hailing from Prince Rupert, has already made her mark.

Competing in the Masters 63 kg unequipped category, Leighton clinched the gold, adding another significant achievement to her decade-long powerlifting journey.

The championship running from May 21 to June 2 draws athletes from around the globe who have proven their mettle by winning national titles.

B次元官网网址淚 competed in bench only, and the selection was from all over the world,B次元官网网址� Leighton said.

LeightonB次元官网网址檚 journey to the top, however, has not been without challenges.

Originally from Terrace, she relocated to Prince Rupert about a decade ago. Living in the northwest proved difficult, particularly due to the isolation from major powerlifting communities.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 expensive for travel, most of the provincial meets are in the Lower Mainland. For many years, I was left to train alone or with one or two people,B次元官网网址� she recalled.

Despite those hurdles Leighton found a supportive community in Rupert which has kept her motivated through the solitary nature of her training.

LeightonB次元官网网址檚 love for powerlifting traces back to her teenage years in Terrace, where she worked at North Coast Health and Fitness when she was 15. It was there she met Ernie Milhomens, a world-champion powerlifter, who became a lifelong inspiration and supporter.

B次元官网网址淲hen I posted on social media about winning the gold medal, he sent me a message saying how proud he was. It was a really full-circle moment, 25 years later, to still be in touch with someone who inspired me so much,B次元官网网址� Leighton said.

Despite intense training and competition pressures, she maintains a grounded perspective.

B次元官网网址淒uring meets, I let my coaches do their jobs and remind myself that the worst-case scenario isnB次元官网网址檛 life or death. ItB次元官网网址檚 normal to experience stress and nervousness, ItB次元官网网址檚 a part of being an athlete,B次元官网网址� she said.

Looking ahead, Leighton has her sights on the 2025 Nationals and hopes to defend her world title at the next World Bench Press Championships in Norway.

B次元官网网址淭he Finland coach came and talked to me afterwards. He was like, B次元官网网址榃eB次元官网网址檒l see you in Norway next year. WeB次元官网网址檙e coming for you,B次元官网网址� I just thought B次元官网网址楥hill out, man. ItB次元官网网址檚 just a hobby.B次元官网网址� But yes, I aim to defend my title.B次元官网网址�

CindyB次元官网网址檚 husband, Lance has been a pillar of support throughout her journey.

B次元官网网址淗e is my number one strength and support in this journey,B次元官网网址� she emphasized.

Talking to Black Press Media while in the gym with her 13- and 15-year-olds, Leighton advised young women aspiring to be powerlifters to B次元官网网址楪et in the gym, donB次元官网网址檛 be shy, and find your passion.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚t can take years. IB次元官网网址檝e been lifting competitively for 10 years. Just find what you love doing, and keep doing it.B次元官网网址�

She also dismissed any concerns about stigma surrounding women in powerlifting, especially concerning pregnancies.

B次元官网网址淚 lifted while I was pregnant and have several friends who have competed while pregnant. ItB次元官网网址檚 all about being safe. IB次元官网网址檝e never faced any negative reactions about being a woman in this sport at all,B次元官网网址� she said.

Leighton is also a strong advocate for the inclusion of powerlifting in the Olympics.

B次元官网网址淚f we have speed walking in Olympics, why not powerlifting? International Powerlifting Federation is drug tested by the World Anti-Doping Association, just like the Olympics. We are trying to be consistent, fair and stringent. I hope to see it in the next 10 years,B次元官网网址� she said.