USask student wins silver medal in Commonwealth Games
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) student athlete is bringing home a silver medal after finishing second in women’s weightlifting while representing Canada at the Commonwealth Games - her first international competition.
By University CommunicationsSilver is just as sweet for Alexis Ashworth. After earning a spot on the national team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, the 23-year-old USask nursing student finished second in the women’s 71-kilogram division with a total lift of 214kg.
Read more on her win via the Regina Leader-Post.
“There are lots and lots of messages on my phone from family and friends,” Ashworth said, in an interview with the Leader-Post. “I’m trying to embrace the moment but, at the same time, I don’t want to ignore anybody, so I’m trying to answer them all.”
Ashworth answered the challenge — and then some — during her first major international competition.
Her success is especially noteworthy when you consider the fact that she didn’t take up weightlifting until shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March of 2020.
For Ashworth, who is set to graduate in December, it all comes down to balance between sports and studies.
“If I didn’t at least give it my best shot, then I’d probably regret that,” she told the Leader-Post. “This is kind of the time to do it in life. I have a lot of support, like my family and my friends. They’re all rooting for me.”