Jessica Buettner is known for her high-jumping celebrations. (Submitted photo/Jessica Buettner)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Power Lifting

Buettner can lift more than you; set unofficial world records at nationals

Mar 14, 2020 | 12:17 PM

It may not be official just yet, but nobody in Jessica Buettner’s weight class can lift more than her.

At the 2020 Canadian Powerlifting Union Nationals in Winnipeg at the beginning of the month, Buettner hit 210 kg on the squat rack, deadlifted 250 kg and managed a total of 562.5 kg through the three lifts. All three of those are unofficial world records in her class. She also managed 102.5 on the bench press.

Only lifts performed at sanctioned world events are eligible to count for world records—not a national event. But with these huge numbers already under her powerlifting belt, Buettner is one step closer to making her records official.

“I think I surprised myself with how I was able to perform at nationals,” Buettner said. “I wasn’t sure I was able to hit those weights. It gives me that confidence that I can going into worlds.”

Buettner grew up in Prince Albert, but now the 25-year-old lives in Saskatoon. She trains out of the Rise Strength Lab, but that takes a backseat to her day job. Buetter is a pharmacist full-time in North Battleford, but still manages to train 5-6 times a week.

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“It’s definitely really difficult, but it’s something I really enjoy,” Buettner said. “I have a lot of friends I train with at Rise Strength Lab here in Saskatoon and I have a lot of fun. It’s 100 per cent worth it for me.”

Buettner also has Type-1 diabetes. Balancing blood sugar levels during intensive training sessions on its own, but it can be especially challenging for Buettner.

“It doesn’t limit me in anyway, but it makes things more difficult,” Buettner said. “It’s more difficult to get everything right but having structure to my training and having to manage my diabetes, it keeps me in a routine which is good for powerlifting. But it’s definitely very, very difficult to control my blood sugars through training like this.”

Buettner started powerlifting in 2014. She’s been to numerous junior world championships. Last year, Buettner got silver at the open worlds in Sweden and hopes to improve on that this year.

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With files from Ron Quaroni.

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW