Quebec weightlifter Charlotte Simoneau wins Commonwealth Games gold with two records

Quebec weightlifter Charlotte Simoneau captured gold at the Commonwealth Games on July 28, setting two records in the women's 69-kilogram event held in Glasgow, Scotland.

Simoneau opened the snatch competition with a 104-kilogram lift, then successfully lifted 108 kilograms on her second attempt to set a new Commonwealth Games record. In the clean and jerk, she opened with a successful 127-kilogram lift for another Games record, then lifted 132 kilograms on her second attempt, breaking her own record and securing the gold medal.

"It was a really amazing feeling," the 21-year-old from Saint-Hyacinthe said. "Coming to the games, 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 began weightlifting at age 12 and credits the sport's constant challenge. "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," she said. The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, are taking place this year in Glasgow, marking just the third city in history to host the multi-sport event twice.