The subject of gender identity is still a very sensitive one in sports, including powerlifting. Transgender athletes have been participating in powerlifting competitions for some time now, attracting controversy every time they do so. This often happens in Canada, since the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) allows transgender athletes to compete in the women’s division . So, this federation is once again in the spotlight after Anne Andres, a transgender powerlifter, competed in the women’s division of the 2023 CPU Western Canadian Championship and set multiple National and and Unofficial World Records.
Anne Andres recently turned 40-years-old, so she is now competing in the Masters division. This was her first outing in this division and she managed to set new Canadian Women’s National Records in all four events (squat, bench press, deadlift, total). In addition, she also set two Unofficial Masters All-Time Women’s World Records.
Moreover, Anne Andres outperformed the second-placed woman in the Total event by a whopping 200+ kilograms (440.9+ pounds). Anne accumulated 597.5 kilograms (1,317.3 pounds), while SuJan Gill got a score of 387.5 kilograms (854.3 pounds).
Anne Andres Full Performance
- Squat: 212.5 kilograms (468.5 pounds) — +84KG Women’s Canadian Record
- Bench Press: 132.5 kilograms (292.1 pounds) — +84KG Women’s Canadian Record
- Deadlift: 252.5 kilograms (556.7 pounds) — +84KG Women’s Canadian Record & Unofficial ATWR
- Total: 597.5 kilograms (1,317.3 pounds) — +84KG Women’s Canadian Record & Unofficial ATWR
Watch all lifts here:
Related: Transgender Powerlifter JayCee Cooper Gets The Court’s Nod In Discrimination Lawsuit Against USAPL
Anne Andres first got under the spotlight when she shared a video in which she seemingly mocked women powerlifters for their performances on the bench press. She stated that the women’s bench press is “so bad”, which sparked outrage in the community.
Shortly after that, a biological male, Avi Silverberg, utilized the CPU’s policies to protest the transgender regulation. Avi, identified as a woman before the start of the competition and, despite appearing in his regular men’s clothing, broke Anne Andres’ bench press record.
The protest from Avi Silverberg was also viewed with mixed emotions, as some praised him while others were less impressed. So, debates will continue to be held about this topic for many years to come, as it seems that a solution to please both sides does not exist.
Regarding Anne Andres’ powerlifting career, she has taken part in 12 sanctioned competitions over the past four years. Anne remained unbeaten in the majority of her appearances, claiming 10 gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.
Related: Transgender Athlete’s World Record Performance Receiving Tons Of Backlash
Powerlifter responds to biological male setting women’s national record: ‘completely unfair’
“It’s been very disheartening the national record that he broke,” said Hutchinson. “Athletes have been chasing that for years. And we’re talking we’re talking top athletes who have been training and training and training.”
The transgender athletes have been treated differently across various regulations, with USAPL recently being forced to stop doing business in Minnesota after losing a lawsuit against JayCee Cooper. On the other hand, this is an occurring event in all sports, as Olympic Weightlifting and Bodybuilding have also had some viral happenings beforehand. Many people support transgender athletes, while others believe that they have an unfair advantage. Regardless of opinions, Anne Andres’ recent records are set to stand as they align with the CPU regulations.
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