Linda Rousseau

Discovering powerlifting at age 59:

“When a back injury kept me from working for three years and I was going to rehab, during a gym session, I watched a woman pick up 45-lb plates on a barbell. I couldn’t believe it was possible and I ran up to her to ask what she was doing. Krista Schaus told me she was powerlifting and gave me the name of a coach. That’s when I started my lifting journey at age 59 with no previous athletic background. I thought that the coach would not accept me as I was probably too old, too fat and not capable. But Defining Strength coach Susan Abbott started training me and six months later I did my first contest and came in third. Within six months, I went to an IPF World Contest in Orlando and received a bronze medal.”

All in the family:

“I’m proud of the positive impact on my granddaughters. Two of my granddaughters powerlift due to my passion and ability to encourage and teach them.”

Personal achievement:

“I’m also proud of receiving my CanFitPro personal training certification at the age of 69, which seemed impossible a few years ago.”

Laugh it out:

“I’m a certified Laughter Yoga instructor.”

Rising from tragedy:

“My only son Jason passed away at the age of 34 as a result of MRSA and having a compromised immune system. A piece of my heart is missing but I cherish his two children, Sarah and Hannah, and live with the knowledge that he would be proud of me and his sense of humour is always present.”