This northern Ontario grandmother lifts her way to ‘strongman’ competition success

Chantal Routhier: Breaking Stereotypes and Lifting Heavy Weights

Chantal Routhier is not your typical grandmother. At 47 years old, she defies stereotypes by participating in “strongman” competitions where athletes showcase their strength, speed, and endurance by lifting and pulling heavy objects like logs and sandbags. After three years of dedicated training, Routhier has qualified to compete in the Strongman Games in Wisconsin next year, following a strong performance at the Canadian Strongman Championships in Saint John, N.B.

Her journey into the world of strongman competitions began in her hometown of Kapuskasing, Ont., after witnessing a competition and being inspired by fellow competitor Sam Belliveau. Routhier recalls, “Sam Belliveau, she was doing the competition and I was looking at her and I’m like, ‘Wow, you know, that’s pretty impressive.’ And I was pretty inspired by her.”

Determined to pursue her newfound passion, Routhier approached Belliveau, the current “strongest woman in Canada,” for coaching. With Belliveau’s guidance, Routhier now dedicates 12 hours a week to training in the gym, balancing her rigorous routine with a full-time job and quality time with her family, including her three children and two grandchildren. Despite the sacrifices required, Routhier expresses gratitude for her family’s unwavering support, stating, “The family has to make sacrifices for all of this to happen, right? You’re not always available because you’re training, you’re doing all [these] things. But they are so supportive.”

At the recent Canadian Strongman Championships in Saint John, Routhier achieved an impressive second-place finish in the women’s amateur division, surpassing her own expectations. Reflecting on her success, she shares, “I couldn’t be happier. I wasn’t expecting to finish on the podium at all actually. Competition is pretty fierce and these ladies are really strong. So finishing second on that podium, you know, this meant the world to me.”

Routhier emphasizes the inclusivity of the strongman community, encouraging individuals of all backgrounds and ages to give it a try. She dispels the misconception that one must be a massive, muscular individual to excel in the sport, affirming, “You don’t need to be this huge, strong, muscular woman to join this. There is room for everybody. There is a category for everybody and every age.”

Chantal Routhier’s journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to breaking barriers. Her passion for strongman competitions serves as an inspiration to others, proving that strength knows no bounds.