Richmond powerlifter Sumeet Sharma has captured gold for Team Canada in bench press after competing at the North American Powerlifting Championships in Costa Rica.
“The first thing that came to my mind was that it was a huge honour and privilege to win gold for Canada,” Sharma told the Richmond News.
Sharma said he was especially happy that his wife traveled to the competition and witnessed his victory.
“She has been at every powerlifting event of mine. So I was really grateful to have her on my side for this event and to share this joyful occasion with her,” added Sharma.
Sharma said his next goal is to finish in first place at the Nationals Championships next year in Newfoundland, which usually attracts 2,000 athletes.
In addition to earning gold for Canada at the international level, Sharma also hopes to lift many people’s spirits by delivering speeches to students at school about his journey.
“I hope my story could inspire students to follow their dreams since mine was to win a gold medal for Canada,” said Sharma.
“If you have a dream, just put in time and effort and I am sure you could make your dreams come true.”
