Weightlifter Naomie Lusignan sets new Canadian junior snatch record
Tashi Farmilo
Published on www.pontiacjournal.com on July 2, 2025.
MANSFIELD – Naomie Lusignan, a weightlifter from Mansfield, set a new Canadian junior snatch record in the 63 kg weight class on June 8 at the national championships in Saskatoon, SK. She lifted 90 kilograms on her final attempt, surpassing the previous record of 87 kilograms. Lusignan opened with a successful 85 kg lift, missed her first attempt at 90, then secured it on the third. She followed up with a 114 kilogram clean and jerk, after successful lifts at 108 and 111.
The event marked the end of Lusignan’s junior national career, having competed in five junior championships and four at the senior level. Two weeks earlier, she placed third at the senior nationals in Calgary. In May, she finished sixth at the Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru. “I was happy with the performance, although it wasn’t my best,” she said.
Preparation for the event was far from ideal. Severe hand rips prevented her from training properly for two weeks. “We weren’t aiming for personal records at this competition, just
a gold medal,” she said, adding the win came with little difficulty despite the challenges.
Lusignan credited her coaches Hani Kanata and Justin Spencer for their continued support. “They help me be a better athlete,” she said.
After dropping 35 pounds since January to compete in the 63 kg category, Lusignan
is now taking a break to adjust to her new weight class. She plans to rebuild strength
in preparation for the Senior World Championships in November.
Off the platform, Lusignan is preparing to begin studies this September in the Science
in Nutrition and Dietetics program at the University of Ottawa. She has also launched
an Instagram account, @fuelwithnaomie, where she shares healthy recipes and practical tips for weight loss. “I want to help people lose weight like I did, but try to make it easier,”
she said.
Lusignan has been in the sport for nearly 11 years, following her father and brother into weightlifting. While her father retired due to injury, she and her brother continue to train and compete. “This isn’t the end of my story. I’m going to keep pushing until I reach my goals,” she concluded.
Photo: Mansfield weightlifter Naomie Lusignan set a Canadian junior snatch record in Saskatoon on June 8, capping her junior career with a standout performance as she prepares to begin studies in nutrition at the University of Ottawa.
(Photo credit: Christopher Reid)
