DIGBY, N.S. — Canadian national powerlifting champion Paul Gidney of Culloden, Digby County is in the final
stretch of training for the upcoming Commonwealth and World championships with his ultimate goal being the world champion in his class.
“I've accomplished all the powerlifting goals I have set since I started training and competing in 1994,” Gidney said. “The world championship is my ultimate goal.”
The Commonwealth powerlifting championships will take place Sept. 15 to 22 in St. John's,
Newfoundland followed by the World Championships in Potchefstroom, South Africa from Oct. 7 to 12.
Gidney said the Commonwealth will be a test day as he will still be training with the Worlds being his main focus.
The Master II powerlifter, who qualified for world's after winning the Canadian championship in March, said he will not have much of a break after competing in St. John's.
“Usually there's a downtime after a meet but with the Commonwealth and World championships being so close I have to come home from St. John's and refocus quickly,” he said. “This will be the first time I compete in back-to-back meets on any level.”
The Digby athlete will compete in the three powerlifting events, the squat, bench and dead lift, and the best of three lifts in each event will determine where he places.
Gidney wishes to thank his wife Lola Gidney for her support and understanding and his powerlifting mentor, Tom Nicholls from PEI.
“Tom, who is a multiple World champion and Canadian record holder, has given me direction in this training session and we have worked together for years,” he said. “I'd also like to thank O'Neil Fisheries, Glen Dunn, Larche Industrial Marine and Tidal Boat Works for their continued support.”
The local scallop fishing captain said he has trained to be strong and is now training to be the strongest he has ever been for both these competitions.
“Lastly but most importantly I would like to thank God for the strength and passion for lifting and the push He has given me for training in the gym.”
Gidney is in the 93.1 to 105 kilo class in the 49-59 age group and currently is ranked 6th entering the World championships. He arrives in St. John's on the Sept. 14 and will compete on the 16th.
