WCH WCH

Josee Gallant

Q1: What was the first competition where you represented Team Canada? When was it? 

The 2022 Pan American Championship in Bogota, Colombia

Q2: Did you compete in other sports before weightlifting? If yes, which ones and at what level? 

Not really. I dabbled in local CrossFit competitions.

Q3: Why do you compete in weightlifting? 

I am competitive with myself. I want to improve continually upon what I did in the past. There is no such thing as true perfection, but I like to challenge myself to see how close I can get to achieving it and accomplishing my goals.

Q4: What do you most enjoy about training? 

I love that no matter how experienced you are, weightlifting will always humble you, challenge you and force you to pay attention to the details. The challenges keep me motivated.

Q5: What do you enjoy the least about training? 

Like there can be a lot of successful challenges, it can sometimes be frustrating. This sport requires patience, and I sometimes lack in that department as a competitive person.

Q6: What are your short term goals for weightlifting (1-2 years)? 

I want to see how far I can take my career. I am all in.

Q7: What are your long term goals for weightlifting? (3 + years) 

I plan to practice for as long as physically possible. Eventually I would like to find a balance in my life that allows me to practice weightlifting and share my passion as a coach.

Q8: What has been your proudest moment in weightlifting? 

Not a specific moment, but being able to manage my stress, channel my thoughts and be in the moment on the platform has been my biggest weightlifting accomplishment. Lifting is fun. Being able to handle the pressure that we put on ourselves is the hard part.

Q9: What are your top 3 achievements in weightlifting so far?

Number 1. Becoming a 2x National Champion

Number 2. Getting my first Team Canada singlet

Number 3. Top 5 at my first International Competition

Q10: Are you currently studying or working in addition to your weightlifting career? If yes, what are you doing? 

I have a full-time job as the Administration & Communication Coordinator for the Town I live in. I also Co-Own my gym Bluenose Fitness.

Q11: What are your plans after your weightlifting career is over? 

I hope that it never ends. I can see myself competing recreationally as a master’s athlete, enjoying other sports and everything that life has to offer.

Q12: Who is your weightlifting role model, and why? 

I don’t have one, but my favourite weightlifting story is when Matthias Steiner won Gold at the Olympics for his wife Susann, that had sadly passed away the summer prior. His devotion and control of emotion are what I seek to have, as I also relate a lot of emotion to this sport after my mom passed a few hours after my first national title.

Coach: Kevin Zimmerman

Weight Category: 55 kg

Favourite Lift: Snatch

Hometown: Truro, NS