Lisa Fryia: Local Lifter Headed to Las Vegas for 2025 International Masters Weightlifting Championships -

Sault Ste. Marie’s Lisa Fryia and Trish Barber, along with Echo Bay’s Michelle Pearson, are set to represent Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region at the 2025 International Masters Weightlifting Championships this September in Las Vegas. These dedicated athletes will be competing against some of the best masters lifters from around the world, showcasing not only their strength but also the growing presence of Northern Ontario on the international weightlifting stage.

Lisa Fryia: A Newcomer Making an Impact
Competing in the 40–44 age category in the 77kg weight class, Lisa Fryia’s journey to international competition has been swift but impactful. Although she only began training specifically for Olympic weightlifting about two years ago, her foundation in the sport goes back to 2008, when she first learned how to lift at Catalyst Fitness through CrossFit.

“It means a lot to get to compete at this level,” Lisa says. “It’s great to be able to show others that, even as masters athletes, we can be competitive on a bigger stage.”

Lisa credits much of her smooth transition into competitive lifting to her teammates. “I was lucky that Trish and Michelle paved the way by getting started with our coach, Joanne [Jeffrey], so the move into competitive weightlifting was seamless.”

Balancing Life, Training, and Competition
For Lisa, successful training is all about balance and flexibility. As a busy mom and professional, she knows that life doesn’t stop just because there’s a competition coming up.

“There are times when training has to take a back seat to family and work,” she explains. “But planning and scheduling training and recovery is key for me. I map out my training each month to make sure I can fit it all in around everyday life.”

Though she’s still relatively new to the sport, Lisa has embraced the learning process and is committed to improving with each competition. She emphasizes mental preparation as much as physical: “I do my best to simulate how each lift will feel, going through the same routine each time. Having key words and phrases helps me focus before I get on the platform.”

Support System at Home and in the Gym
Lisa’s strength extends far beyond the barbell—her biggest supporters are at home. “My husband, Brent, has supported me every step of the way, making sure I have the time to train and encouraging me at every level,” she shares. “My kids are a great motivator too. I love seeing how comfortable they are at the gym and how it’s just normal in our house for parents to train hard and take care of themselves.”

Looking Ahead to Las Vegas and Beyond
As Lisa prepares for her first international competition, she’s filled with gratitude and excitement. “I’m still learning so much about competing and weightlifting, so every competition is a new experience. I’m excited to spend time with so many great masters athletes who have similar goals!”

She hopes her journey will inspire others to take that first step, no matter where they are in life. “It’s such a great way to push yourself and learn something new. Watching women compete at any age shows just how strong and amazing we are—especially when we support each other in reaching our goals.”

As Lisa, Trish, and Michelle head to Las Vegas this fall, they carry with them not just years of training, but the spirit of a community that believes in strength, perseverance, and lifting each other up—literally and figuratively.