From Corktown to Nationals:A powerlifter’s ascent

Mariah Ashton –

I am a competitive powerlift­er, training four days a week at Band of Barbells gym in Scar­borough (though I live in Cork­town). Standing 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm), I compete in the un­der 76 kiloggram (167 pound) weight class. While I carry a calm, understated presence, that quiet exterior holds an intense competitive drive and national level ambition.

Powerlifting is a sport of ab­solute focus. In a matter of sec­onds, athletes exert maximal effort against gravity. Compe­tition consists of three lifts: the squat, bench press and deadlift, with success measured by total weight lifted. It is a discipline that rewards precision, resil­ience and the ability to perform under pressure.

Powerlifting entered my life when I felt disconnected from my body and unsure of my di­rection. I was not looking for a sport but for something that made me feel grounded and ca­pable.

Following the Covid-19 lock­downs, I struggled to regain my footing. Extended inactivity affected both my physical con­ditioning and my sense of self. Joining a gym marked a turning point. Through consistent train­ing and healthier habits, I began rebuilding strength and confi­dence. Two years ago, I discov­ered powerlifting and commit­ted fully.

The sport saved my life. It gave me structure when life felt chaotic. Every lift demanded presence. Every session asked me to stay, even when the weight felt overwhelming.

Through powerlifting, I re­built my relationship with my body. I learned that strength is not loud or performative, but earned through patience and consistency. What began as a grounding practice soon evolved into a competitive pursuit.

In 2024, encouraged by fellow athletes, I entered International Powerlifting Association com­petitions around Toronto and quickly established myself as a serious contender. In August 2025, I traveled to Quebec City for the CANPL Centrals Cana­dian Championships..

That performance marked a turning point: it put me on the road to the national competition.

Following Quebec City, I in­tensified my training and com­petitive focus. The results were immediate. I placed first, broke two provincial records, set a new provincial total of 494.5 kg (1,091 lbs), and I am currently ranked number one in Ontario for my weight class.

I hold the Ontario bench press record at 232.6 lbs (105.5 kg) and the Ontario deadlift record at 470.7 lbs (213.5 kg). These achievements came from per­severance, repetition by repe­tition, day by day. Powerlifting taught me that discomfort is not something to fear. It is some­thing you learn to carry.

This month, I will compete at the Canadian National Pow­erlifting Championships in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This event is a defining opportunity in my pursuit of representing Canada on the international stage.

For me, winning is not about ego. It is about execution, prepa­ration and honouring work done behind the scenes. Nationals represent a critical step toward my long-term goal of earning a Team Canada spot and compet­ing internationally.

My aim is to represent Team Canada. Not just as an athlete, but for what it represents: resil­ience, discipline, and the ability to rewrite your story.