Gunner Brooke Robertson claimed victory as the champion of the 2023 Ex. HEAVY LOADER 1RCHA powerlifting competition in mid-December. She is the first female in the 11 year history of the competition to win the overall title. (Photo:1RCHA Video)
Submitted by: Gunner William Cook, 1RCHA, Edited by Shilo Stag News
For the first time in the 11-year history of powerlifting competition Excersize HEAVY LOADER, a female gunner, Brooke Robertson, secured the winner’s title and now wears the prestigious St. Barbara’s Belt until 2024 after her mid-December victory.
Robertson’s “exceptional performance” as the overall champion of the First Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA) challenge was cemented with a Wilks Score of 377, which included a squat of 127 kilograms (280 pounds), bench of 65 kg (145 lb) and a deadlift of 158.758 kg (350 lb)
The Wilks Score, also known as the Wilks Coefficient, measures a contestant’s strength in powerlifting against other competitors with different body weights across both genders.
The 1RCHA tournament, which originated in 2012, brings together military athletes in an impressive showcase of physical prowess, displaying strength and discipline.
“The event undoubtedly reinforces the unit’s commitment to excellence in both readiness and physical fitness,” a 1RCHA spokesperson stated.
The event, held within the 1 RCHA building and supported by CFB Shilo’s PSP Fitness team, saw competitors pushing their limits and reaching new heights, the organization stated.
Claiming the second top position in this intense competition was Gunner Caleb Reynolds, whose outstanding achievements included a remarkable squat of 204 kg (425 lb), a bench press of 136 kg (300 lb) and a deadlift of 224.5 kg (495 lbs).
“Reynolds showcased unparalleled strength with the greatest total weight lifted of the day at 553.38 kg (1220 lbs), earning him well-deserved recognition among his peers.”
Securing the third position was Gunner Julian Robidoux, recently crowned the Fittest Male in 1 RCHA at the Gunners Fitness Gauntlet.
“Robidoux’s consistent commitment to fitness and performance was evident in his impressive showing at HEAVY LOADER.”
Notably absent from the competition due to a knee injury was the 2021 and 2022 champion, Captain Garrett Ramey. Despite being unable to compete, Captain Ramey was present as a spectator and had the honour of presenting Gunner Robertson with her newly earned St Barbara’s Belt.
Top Lifts:
Squat: Caleb Reynolds – 192.77 kg (425 lbs)
Bench Press: Caleb Reynolds- 136 kg (300 lbs)
Deadlift – Lieutenant-Colonel Joe O’Donnell – 226.79 kg (500 lbs)
“Exercise HEAVY LOADER 2023 was a thrilling testament to the dedication, skill and camaraderie within 1 RCHA. Not only did it showcase the incredible physical abilities of its participants, but also celebrated the spirit of competition and mutual support within 1 RCHA.”