Ruth Fafard, right, is relatively new to the sport of powerlifting. (Image Credit: Submitted photo/Ruth Fafard)

By Derek Cornet

achievement

Crown prosecutor turned powerlifter takes bronze at provincials

Jul 25, 2026 | 8:00 AM

Ruth Fafard is showing she has what it takes to succeed in the world of powerlifting.

The regional Crown prosecutor from La Ronge took on the sport about two years ago and most recently earned a third-place finish at the Saskatchewan Powerlifting Association Provincials in Saskatoon in June. She managed to squat 242.5 pounds, bench 132.2 lbs and deadlift 270 lbs for a total of 664.8 lbs.

“Things have really progressed,” Fafard said, noting since starting her powerlifting journey, she’s sprained her knee in January 2026 and also underwent surgery in February 2025.

“Since my first competition and provincials now in June, just 18 months later, I have managed to add 103 lbs to my total.”

Fafard trains at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) and is coached by her son Jean-Luc Fafard. Her son organizes her training schedule, which is three or four times per week, and includes either bench and squat or bench and deadlift training through a method called linear periodization.

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Fafard explained it has been inspiring to do her training at the JRMCC as there are other people there training for different sports.

“We have people there who are into boxing or hockey or golfing, and they have their own specific workouts. Basically, for my workouts, there’s a standard program,” she said.

Prior to provincials, Fafard was attending the Canadian Powerlifting Union’s Last Chance Competitions in Moose Jaw. At those meets, powerlifters aren’t given a ranking and it’s more of a chance to see how participants compare against their previous numbers, as well as earn some totals.

“I’m still pretty new and figuring out how it all works,” Fafard explained.

“I’m just looking to move the needle up a little bit every time I’m training and every time I do a competition. I unfortunately missed the deadline for regionals, I had a busy court week that week.”

Fafard plans to continue training in the sport and she hopes to travel to regionals in British Columbia in 2027.

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

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Crown prosecutor turned powerlifter takes bronze at provincials

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