2025 Strengthfest: Kamloops mom, photographer trades camera for weights

Strong men and women from all over the province are merging to compete at powerlifting and strongman competitions in Kamloops this coming weekend, and new lifter Tracey Mounsey will be joining the battle.

A well-known Kamloops photographer, Mounsey was behind the lens last year in the tournament capital’s first Twin Rivers Strengthfest Competition, but this year she will be on the other side of the lens.

“Watching the grit that goes into the competition really inspired me, and the positive atmosphere with everyone there is irreplaceable,” she said.

Last year’s competition saw over 150 athletes from across the province compete in powerlifting and strongman events with more predicted to compete this year. Mounsey is entered in the women’s novice category.

The mother of two young, busy boys is well prepared to give it her all as she has been lifting heavy weights for almost two years. During that time, she discovered there are many more benefits to lifting that go beyond physical strength and appearance, or even competing.

“I truly believe the benefits of weight lifting and training in any facet of fitness goes far deeper than a change in physical appearance,” she said. “It’s about being strong physically, but also mentally and emotionally as well. For me it has helped my mental health.”

Tracey Mounsey is pictured at a strongman competition in Williams Lake in 2024. Photo by Richard Waldner. SUBMITTED/ Tracey Mounsey

In Mounsey’s weightlifting circle, there are a lot of moms who have found support in one another.

“We moms found our little thing that keeps us sane and taking care of our bodies and minds to keep up with life,” she said. “If you’re not lifting weights, you’re missing out on a big slice of therapy.”

A strongman competition is a sport where athletes compete in non-standard strength exercises that tests strength and endurance. Competitions can include flipping cars, lifting big rocks and flipping giant tires.

Last fall, Mounsey competed in her first official strongman competition in Williams Lake where she came in second place.

“Everyone cheers everyone on in the strongman community,” Mounsey said. “If someone is going to lift a max weight for them, even though we’re competing against each other, we’re all excited for that lift because we know how much work went into it. It’s about being the best version of yourself. It’s about progress.”

When asked if she thought she had a chance of winning in her category at the upcoming event, Mounsey wasn’t sure.

“There is a potential there but I’m 5’10 and have really long arms,” she said. “When I’m doing the log press above my head, I have to put it up way further, it’s harder than it is for shorter people.”

Mounsey hasn’t tested her maximum overhead lifting weight for a few months, but the maximum weight she has lifted off the ground is 275 pounds. 

Hosted by the Twin Rivers Strength Sports Association, the 2025 Twin Rivers Strengthfest will feature various weight classes and divisions, where athletes of all levels and ages have a chance to test their limits and qualify for higher levels of competition.

“Last year’s show was truly spectacular. We saw so many novice athletes come out for their very first competition. The sport is growing rapidly, we’ve got several teenage athletes and even more novice lifters this year which is very encouraging.” said competition director Jeremy Phelps in a media release issued on July 3.

The competition takes place at the Sandman Centre on July 12 and 13. Spectators can cheer on the athletes at the price of a donation will all proceeds going to nonprofit organizations. There will be vendors, demonstrations, food trucks and door prize draws.

“With the addition of the under 90kg Men’s ProAm Championship, thanks to Arctic Spa, we get to add a professional element and bring in some amazing strength athletes from across Western Canada for everyone to see,” Phelps said.

At the end of the weekend, the coveted titles of Kamloops Strongest Man and Woman will be awarded to the top competitors.

Mounsey extended gratitude to Shayne Evans of BioEvans CPT for nutritional support and Jake Birkland of Strength Camp Kamloops for helping with her technique and functional training.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this and watch everyone do their best,” she said.

The Sandman Centre in Kamloops is located at 300 Lorne Street, and doors open to spectators at 9 a.m. on both mornings.

Go here for powerlifting and strongman event details.