By Total Sports Media
Photo: Emmit Whattam, Peyton Allen,McKenna VanLuven,Madalyn Tyrer, Jack Manley and Nick Manley. Emmit totals 165,bronze medal and qualifies for the Canadian Jr’s, Peyton had a perfect contest 646….with contest personal best lifts, McKenna hands in another solid contest performance, Madalyn totals 160 and the gold medal, Jack totals 214 and the gold, Nick totals 90 and 4th place, made a gutsy attempt on his last lift.
The Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games kicked off with explosive energy as young athletes from across the province gathered to compete in 17 different sports. Among the standout performances of the first weekend (February 19–22), weightlifters from the Victory Barbell Club delivered a masterclass in strength and technique at the Rotary Place venue.
Elite Performances and Gold Medals
Leading the charge,
Jack Manley secured a dominant 1st place finish with a massive 214kg total. His performance earned him the prestigious title of Best Male Lifter for the Games, a testament to his five years of dedicated training.
On the women’s side,
Madalyn Tyrer continued her gold-medal streak by finishing 1stwith a 160kg total. Both
Manley and
Tyrer showcased the elite skill that has previously earned them spots on Team Ontario for national-level competitions.
National Qualifications and Podium Finishes
The depth of local talent was further highlighted by
Emmitt Whattam, who claimed 3rd place with a 165kg total. Crucially, this performance officially qualified
Whattam for the Canadian Junior Weightlifting Championships, joining teammates who have also set their sights on the national stage in Saskatoon.
Rounding Out the Top Rankings
Several other athletes delivered strong performances to secure top-six finishes in their respective categories:
- Nick Manley: Finished 4th with a 90kg total.
- McKenna Vanluven: Earned 5th place with a 98kg total.
- Peyton Allen: Finished 6th with an 85kg total.
The Games conclude their second weekend of action on March 1, 2026, but for these weightlifters, the focus now shifts toward preparing for the national championships.
