SASKATOON — In a groundbreaking achievement for Canadian sports, 17-year-old Saskatoon teenager Etta Love has made history by setting a new world record in Olympic weightlifting, marking the first time in over 70 years that a Canadian has held a world record in the sport.
Competing in the +87kg category at the Junior (U21) World Championships in Leon, Spain, Love successfully clean and jerked 146 kilograms, surpassing the previous youth world record of 145kg.
This achievement is not only significant as Canada’s first world record in modern weightlifting but also the first-ever by a Canadian woman. The last Canadian to set a world record was Doug Hepburn in the early 1950s in the clean and press from the historic three-event competition, decades before women were even allowed to compete.
Love’s historic rise has captivated the weightlifting world. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest woman in North America to total over 200kg, breaking Cheryl Haworth’s long-standing record. Her dominance continued as she shattered multiple Pan-American records. Since 2022, Love has increased the previous clean-and-jerk record by a 16kg.
Known for her grit, determination, and commitment to inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport, Love has inspired athletes across the globe. Her relentless dedication includes balancing academics while training for up to four hours daily to prepare for moments like this.
“I see these competitions as a way to honour a promise to my younger self, staying focused on my ‘why’ motivates me to do the work and show up every day. A competition like Worlds may seem like hard work but really it is my reward for the hard work done day-to-day.”
"I’ve been thinking about this moment and training for it every single day," said Love. "To represent Canada on this level and break a world record means everything."
With her world record, numerous titles including Youth World Champion, and now the Youth World Record to her name, Etta Love’s journey is one to watch as she sets her sights on the 2028 Olympic Games. Canadian sports fans everywhere are celebrating her achievements, and her future in the sport shines brightly.
Etta is off to Bahrain for the Senior World Championship in December to break the remaining two youth world records. You can learn more about her journey as the youngest person to represent Canada at Senior Worlds and join her journey here
