Pune, India - Valérie Lefèbvre, Godmanchester, Que., set a trio of Games records en route to a gold medal in the women's 63 kilogram weightlifting event, while Paul Dumais, Pointe-aux-Trembles, Que. established a new standard of 287 kilograms to win the men's 77 kilogram title at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in in Pune, India.
Lefèbvre became Canada’s first gold medalist in weightlifting in Games history as she set the standard in the snatch, 82 kilograms, clean and jerk, 105 kilograms and the combined total of 187 kilograms.
She toped Rani Aruna of India by 19 kilograms for the gold.
“I honestly thought that the team from India was going to be stronger in my weight class,” said Lefèbvre. “I am thrilled to begin my competitive season by winning my first international gold medal.”
In the men’s competition, Dumais jumped out to a big lead in the snatch lifting 130 kilograms on his first attempt and never looked back, cruising to a 19 kilogram victory over Anup Topo of India.
“I wanted to come out and set the tone early by forcing the field to play catch up,” said Dumais. “By the final attempt in the clean and jerk I was just trying to push my limits and did so by lifting 157 kilos.”
Canada’s medal count in weightlifting stands at four, including a pair of golds, one silver and a bronze.
The total could increase Friday when Audrey Lefèbvre, Godmanchester, Que., enters the women’s 69 kilogram event, and Mathieu Marineau, St-André-d’Argenteuil, Que., take to the stage in the men’s 85 kilogram final.