Verona Weight Lifter Flies to Istanbul

Sep 07, 2022

Johnathan Asselstine is a weight lifter from Verona, Ontario; he is 22 years old.

Johnathan started weight lifting at Sydenham High School under the direction of some of the coaches there, and some close friends, plus weight lifting at some local gyms in the area. It became a passion for Johnathan, buying equipment for home, making routine workout times, and taking his equipment to London, Ontario where he attended Western University.

Johnathan has completed the 4-year program and graduated from Western this spring, with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Organizational Studies specialized in Commercial Aviation Management. He is hoping to pursue his dream of becoming a Commercial Airline Pilot and is still completing his flying time, and has been flying since he was 15 out of the Kingston Flying Club.

Johnathan competed in a 2020 Local Powerlifting event called the Western Strength Open, where he placed first. In November 2021 he went to the Central Canadian Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships in Hamilton Ontario and placed 3rd. Then in May of this year, he went to St John's Newfoundland to compete in the Canadian Nationals, where he placed 2nd, that gave him the opportunity to try out in Istanbul Turkey, at the World's championship.

Johnathan did well he broke two of his own personal bests in Squat and Bench, and deadlifted 280 KG that placed him 9th in his 92kg weight class group of 16 world competitors.

He had another Canadian Powerlifter that also went to Istanbul, Curtis Nelson to represent Canada, he placed 15th in the same weight class.

it just goes to show anything is possible when you set you mind to it and have dreams to follow.