Quebec weightlifter Charlotte Simoneau captured gold and set two Commonwealth Games records with a dominant performance in the women’s 69-kilogram event.
The 21-year-old from Saint-Hyacinthe competed on July 28, opening the snatch competition with a 104-kilogram lift before successfully lifting 108 kilograms on her second attempt to set a new Commonwealth Games record.
“I started weightlifting to get stronger and now I think I’m getting stronger,” said Simoneau.
She continued her record-breaking day in the clean and jerk, opening with a successful lift of 127 kilograms to set another Games record. On her second attempt, she lifted 132 kilograms, breaking her own record and securing the gold medal.
“It was a really amazing feeling. Coming to the game, I was not really coming for the games we played. But knowing that the number was accessible for me during the competition, it was really a motivation to do those numbers. Being able to do them is really special because it’s a record that we can break only one time in four years. So it’s really amazing,” Simoneau said.
The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, are taking place this year in Glasgow, Scotland, making it just the third city in history to host the multi-sport event twice.
Simoneau, who began weightlifting at the age of 12, said the sport continues to push her to improve every day.
“I think I love it because it’s really a sport that you can be better every day. It pushes your limits, but it also takes you a lot of motivation and constant discipline. It’s really something that I like to do in life,” Simoneau said.
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