A weightlifter from Sarnia is excited to carry on the family legacy.
Noah Santavy, 25, will represent Team Canada in his first Pan American Games, coming up later this week in Santiago, Chile.
He'll be competing in the men's 102 kilogram category after his strong performance at the 2023 Senior Canadian National Championship.
"I competed in the men's 102 kilo class and went six for six with a snatch of 158 kilograms, a clean and jerk of 195 kilograms for a total of 353 kilograms which not only won me the Canadian title, but also qualified me for the Pan Am Games," said Noah. "It means the world to me to be able to compete and follow in my family's footsteps."
Both of those marks are personal bests for Noah, and he's hoping to break those again at the Pan Am Games.
Noah's brother Boady competed at the Pan Am Games in 2015 and 2019, his father Dalas in 2007, and his late grandfather Bob in 1967 and 1975.
Dalas was also named a Head Coach for this year's Canadian squad.
"It’s a privilege to represent Canada as a coach for the Pan Am Weightlifting team in Chile this year. Noah's been working real hard for this spot, and he’s earned it, we’re all proud of him," said Dalas in a statement, "I’m proud of all the lifters who have qualified for the Games, as I know the hard work and dedication that is required."
Noah, a boilermaker for Local 128, said he's excited to get to Chile and compete.
"I feel really good, my body's in good shape and I'm getting really excited," he said. "It's my first major games so the nerves are starting to come out. I'm coming off a couple of injuries but they're all healed up now. Training has been a little bit adjusted but I'm in good shape and ready to put up some big numbers."
Noah said Team Canada has just three male and three female spots in weightlifting.
The Pan Am Games is a major continental multi-sport event in the Americas featuring 6,900 athletes competing in summer sports, and are held every four years.
The competition runs from October 20 to November 5.
Santavy said the weightlifting portion is set for October 21 to 24, and his competition day will be on October 23 at around 7 p.m. EST.
