Drazen Seslija
Published online June 17, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
MANSFIELD — Mansfield weightlifter Xavier Lusignan continues to make his mark on the national and international stage.
Fresh off a bronze-medal performance at the Pan American Championships in Panama, Lusignan captured gold in the 110-kilogram division at the Canadian Senior Weightlifting Championships held May 15–17 in La Prairie. He won the national title with a 160-kilogram snatch and a 196-kilogram clean and jerk.
Lusignan said he was pleased with the bronze medal he earned at the Pan American Championships in Panama.
“I was coming back from an injury, so I’m happy I managed to win a bronze medal,” he said. “Under those circumstances, I still managed to stand out.”
The recent success follows another milestone for the athlete, who received a $2,000 scholarship at the Alliance Sport-Études gala on April 30.
“It definitely helps cover expenses, especially with training and competitions,” he said. “But the most important thing is really seeing the support for me—it gives me a boost to keep persevering.”
Lusignan now has his sights set on the World Weightlifting Championships in China later this year. He acknowledges the competition will be strong but sees the event as an opportunity to continue developing against some of the world’s best athletes.
Lusignan, who is studying administration at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, said balancing training, competitions, a part-time job and school is not always easy.
“Sports have always been a part of my life, ever since I was young,” he said. “The key is really to be organized, set a schedule and prioritize. For me, performing well and succeeding in school are my top priorities. If you’re organized, you can make time for everything: school, sports, work and time for yourself.”
PHOTO — Xavier Lusignan and his coach, Hani Kanama, at the Pan American Championships in Panama. (Molly Zirkle)
