Trish Barber: From Basement Lifts to the World Stage: My Journey to International Weightlifting at 60+ -

Sault Ste. Marie’s Trish Barber and Lisa Fryia, along with Echo Bay’s Michelle Pearson, will be representing Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region at the 2025 International Masters Weightlifting Championships in Las Vegas this September.

Competing on the international stage has been my ultimate goal since the beginning of my weightlifting journey—and now, as a woman in the 60–64 age category, that dream is becoming a reality.

I was first introduced to weightlifting back in 2008 at Catalyst Fitness. From the very first lift, I was hooked. I loved the challenge, the technique, and the empowering feeling of getting stronger. Years later, I discovered that I could actually compete in weightlifting as a Masters athlete. That realization lit a new fire in me. I began looking for a coach to guide me through this next chapter. Although there were local coaches with experience in lifting, none had the competition background I needed. Fortunately, former Catalyst coach and good friend Mike Watson referred me to Joanne Jeffrey from Driven Barbell in Midland, Ontario. Joanne has been instrumental in my progress—she sends me custom programming, I send her videos of my lifts, and she provides detailed feedback to help me refine and improve.

My training schedule is consistent: I train three days a week, making sure to keep the same days each week to maintain a rhythm. I never train two days in a row to allow my body proper time to recover. One of the highlights of my week is Sunday training with my friends Lisa Fryia and Michelle Pearson. These sessions are more than just workouts—they’re a source of motivation, accountability, and shared encouragement. Training can be lonely, especially when you’re lifting in your basement home gym. But those Sunday sessions remind me that I’m not doing this alone.

Staying motivated, especially when much of my training is solo, is one of the biggest challenges. But I’ve found ways to stay focused. I have a whiteboard in my gym filled with inspirational quotes that keep me grounded and remind me why I started. I also work hard to prepare mentally. Every lift, even during training, is treated like it’s happening on the competition platform. I give 100% effort, every time. I’ve also worked with mindset coach Shannon Vit from Unified Wellness, who helped me develop a mental preparation routine that I now use in both training and competition. That mental discipline has become just as important as physical strength.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been blessed with incredible support. My family and friends have rallied behind me, encouraging me every step of the way. My sisters have traveled to each of my competitions, and for my upcoming international debut in Las Vegas, I’ll have a whole group of loved ones cheering me on. That kind of support means everything.

Heading to Las Vegas to compete on the international stage is a dream come true. I’ve been building toward this moment for years, and I’m thrilled to represent my category—and all older athletes—on such a prestigious platform.

To anyone reading this, I want to say: try something new. No matter your age, it’s never too late to start. I began competing in Olympic weightlifting at 57, and since then, I’ve participated in at least eight competitions—with no plans to stop. At the 2024 Canadian Nationals, I met a man who was 91 and still competing. That was a powerful reminder that passion and perseverance have no age limit.

This journey has taught me that strength isn’t just physical—it’s about showing up for yourself, pushing through the hard days, and chasing your goals with everything you’ve got. So take that first step. You never know where it might lead.

Support these women’s adventure to Las Vegas to participate in the 2025 International Masters Weightlifting Championships with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 19th at 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m at Icebreakers. Tickets are $30 to attend and $15 for a support ticket. This includes all you can eat wings, pizza, and fries. Send e-transfers to [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].