Canada's Rhaea Stinn (31) is an experienced powerlifter who enjoyed a convincing win in the 2019 IPF Open World Championships in the Women’s 84 kg class in November. Earlier that year, she had I won the 72kg open division in the IPF Equipped World Championships and set a new World Record of 191kg. Moreover, she also holds World Record in the 84 kg weight class in the Equipped Open division.
In The World Games Athlete of the Year poll, she received an impressive number of votes, 56,655, and finished as the second runner-up!
Rhaea Stinn has competed in three editions of The World Games: she placed 5th in 2017, 4th in 2013, and 6th in 2009.
“Competing at The World Games three times is something I am incredibly proud of”, she says. “Competing at each one have been highlights of my career, all for different reasons. The atmosphere in the city of The World Games is always a bit different than a typical World Championships, with events taking place all around the city and so many other sports happening in locations nearby. There seems to be a special vibe in the air amongst athletes and locals alike. Since The World Games only happens every four years, I think athletes put more pressure on themselves for this event than a typical World Championship that happens every year. At The World Games, powerlifting combines weight classes so there are less divisions, which can lead to some close competitions which are always fun to watch!”
“In 2009 we were able to walk in to the Closing Ceremonies which is still one of my favourite memories from this sport as it’s hard to explain what it’s like to walk into a stadium of 30,000 screaming fans. As I see it, it is the closest to an Olympic Experience that I will ever get.”
In less than two years, The World Games returns to North America, to Birmingham, Alabama, USA, for the first time in 40 years. “In 2020 I hope to earn a qualifying spot for the 2021 World Games! I have made it a goal to be on the podium in 2021! I will also be working hard to continue getting stronger and defend my title of World Champion at this year's World Championships”, Stinn describes her plans for the near future.
She also wants to thank her fans who earned her the position in the poll: “I think the powerlifting community really came together to help me be the 2nd runner-up of The World Games Athlete of the Year. I am very appreciative of all of the support I received during the voting period!”
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.