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Canadian female powerlifter faces two-year suspension for criticizing men competing against women

Published

1 year ago

3 minute read

From LifeSiteNews

By Clare Marie Merkowsky

‘I now face a 2-year ban by the CPU for speaking publicly about the unfairness of biological males being allowed to taunt female competitors & loot their winnings,’ Canadian powerlifter April Hutchison said.

A female powerlifter is facing a two-year suspension because she spoke against biological men competing against women. 

On November 7, Canadian powerlifter April Hutchinson announced that the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) suspended her for two years after she voiced concerns over men claiming to be women dominating in female powerlifting competitions.   

“I now face a 2-year ban by the CPU for speaking publicly about the unfairness of biological males being allowed to taunt female competitors & loot their winnings,” she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

“Apparently, I have failed in my gender-role duties as ‘supporting actress’ in the horror show that is my #sport right now,” she continued. “Naturally, the CPU deemed MY written (private) complaint of the male bullying to be ‘frivolous and vexatious.’” 

The CPU panel accused Hutchinson of violating both the Code of Conduct and the social media policy. On her social media, Hutchinson openly advocates for women’s sports to be kept to biological females, noting that men have an unfair advantage over women.  

Additionally, in September, Hutchinson was targeted for calling her opponent a “biological male” on TV and social media. 

Hutchinson voiced concern to the CPU over competing against men on multiple occasions; however, they failed to address her concerns, instead suspending her for expressing her discomfort.  

“Based on the information provided, the Discipline Panel is recommending that AH have her membership to the CPU suspended for 2 years,” the CPU ethics case stated. 

Hutchinson responded that the ruling was issued “even though a 13-page letter was sent to the CPU in October thoroughly debunking all accusations.”  

“Obviously, someone had to pay the price for the IPF forcing CPU to be more female-friendly,” she added. “Let this be a lesson to all female athletes to shut-up and put-up with #SexDiscrimination.” 

 “In truth, my fight does not stop here,” Hutchinson declared. “Stay tuned…” 

LifeSiteNews reached out to Hutchinson for further comment on the suspension, but she did not respond by time of publication.  

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Bruce Dowbiggin

Check Out Time: Knowing Enough Is Enough

Published on November 25, 2024

By

“An aged man is but a paltry thing,

A tattered coat upon a stick, unless

Soul clap its hands and sing, and louder sing

For every tatter in its mortal dress”. W.B. Yeats

Damn that Tom Brady. Because of the now-retired NFL GOAT it is widely believed that an athlete in his 40s can still triumph over younger men. That a good diet, plenty of sleep and keen desire can sustain you against twenty-two year olds. It ain’t so.

Those needing a reminder of what nature intends for athletes pushing their 40s— and later— got a sobering reminder the past while. First on the docket was Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion and a man who inspired fear the way Taylor Swift inspires teenage girls and vapid prime ministers.

In an effort to shake his aging fist at time, the 58-year-old Tyson agreed to fight 27-year-old media-influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Tyson has been through a lot since his days when opponents barely lasted a minute in the ring with him. He lost his crown, married actress Robin Givens and had what was clearly a breakdown both physically and mentally.

In recent years he’s re-invented himself by playing Mike Tyson in movies (his tiger is stolen by a dentist in The Hangover) and on Broadway. He’s evolved into some sort of Cormac McCarthy sage, unflinching in the face of his mortality. Here he talks to a very young interviewer about his legacy and his wish to have no part of one. His precise words were, “”I don’t believe in the word ‘legacy.’ I think that’s another word for ego. Legacy doesn’t mean nothing. That’s just some word everybody grabbed on to.”

So the decision to take on Paul, who has only a dozen pro fights, in a Netflix special drew a lot of curiosity. With his facial tattoo and still-impressive physique he made many believe he could summon up enough to defeat a showboating Paul (El Gallo) who played the heel in the run-up.

Then Tyson had an ulcer flareup. Which caused him to lose half the blood in his body. The fight was delayed from July to November 15 at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Videos of Tyson training seemed to show that, even after the medical issues, he could still deliver enough firepower to make the fight credible. For good measure, Tyson slapped Paul during the weigh-in. Just like the old days.

On fight night sixty-five million tuned in. But the Tyson of old was now old Tyson. He had little to offer, and, by fight’s end, Paul was toying with Tyson. The unanimous decision was a forgone conclusion. Even in defeat Tyson declared himself satisfied having shown his family and himself he could credibly train for a fight after his medical problems.

But the big winner was Father Time.

The Big Guy is also wining in his bet with legendary QB Aaron Rodgers who vowed in 2022 to make the Green Bay Packers regret letting him go in favour of Jordan Love. Rodgers, who’s almost as quixotic as Tyson, signed with the New York Jets who felt themselves only a QB away from a playoff berth or even a trip to the Super Bowl.

That dream lasted just four plays into the Jets first game of 2023. The elusive, rifle-armed Rodgers sat pathetically on the turf, his season done with a torn achilles tendon and the Jets hopes delayed for a year. During his convalescence there were rumours of an early comeback. None came.

So this September the expectations were palpable for Rodgers, now 40, to finally lead their Jets to success. It took only a few games to note that, while he could still throw a great football, Rodgers could not move as he once had in the pocket. He was sacked pitilessly by opponents. The rival Buffalo Bills pounded the Jets, leaving them far behind the the AFC East standings.

At which point Rodgers’ enigmatic personality become the story in the catty New York press. As first the coach, Robert Saleh, and then the GM, Joe Douglas, were fired. Stories emerged that Rodgers was calling the shots with ownership. Fans turned on him. This past week the 3-8 Jets made the internal decision to cut ties with Rodgers at season’s end.

Will someone sign this version of Rodgers for 2025? Sure. And Joe Biden will regain his faculties. Rodgers’ hopes to “not go gentle into that good night” will not be his call.

Finally, there was the news this week that 39-year-old Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals had suffered a broken fibula and would miss 6-8 weeks. However you feel about Ovechkin’s friendship with Putin , there was admiration for his relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s record for  most regular-season goals (894) in a career.

After a slow start the Capitals captain was on pace to break the record sometime in February. Then came the leg-on-leg collision with Utah’s Jack McBain. In his first 19 seasons Ovie had missed just 35 games to injury. Now this. But that’s how it goes as a 39-year-old playing a young man’s game.

There’s a good chance he now may have to wait till next year— when he’s 40— to break the mark. Ask Aaron Rodgers how that 40-something coming-back-from injury thing works.

At least there was one great athlete accepting the encroachment of 40. Rafael Nadal wound up his brilliant career at the Davis Cup after winning 22 Grand Slam tournaments. “I don’t have the chance to be competitive the way I like to be competitive,” he said in a news conference. “My body is not able to give me the possibility.”

The now-retired Roger Federer, who saw his lead over Nadal in Grand Slams go from 6-12 to 20-22, summed up Nadal.  “You beat me — a lot. More than I managed to beat you… You challenged me in ways no one else could.” You could also say he got out while the getting was good. For that, Rafa, clap hands and sing.

Bruce Dowbiggin @dowbboy is the editor of Not The Public Broadcaster  A two-time winner of the Gemini Award as Canada’s top television sports broadcaster, he’s a regular contributor to Sirius XM Canada Talks Ch. 167. His new book Deal With It: The Trades That Stunned The NHL And Changed hockey is now available on Amazon. Inexact Science: The Six Most Compelling Draft Years In NHL History, his previous book with his son Evan, was voted the seventh-best professional hockey book of all time by bookauthority.org . His 2004 book Money Players was voted sixth best on the same list, and is available via brucedowbigginbooks.ca.

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Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame announces Class of 2025

Published on November 25, 2024

By

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Class of 2025 Inductees. These extraordinary athletes, coaches, and builders have demonstrated immense dedication to their respective sports, bringing pride to Alberta and Canada through their achievements. This year’s inductees represent a wide array of sports, from winter Olympians and Paralympians to builders who have shaped sports communities across Alberta and beyond.

The 2025 Induction Ceremony will be held at the Red Deer Resort & Casino on June 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM, where these individuals will be honored for their outstanding contributions to Alberta’s sports legacy.

Class of 2025 Inductees:

Alex Gough – Luge Athlete
Calgary-born Alex Gough, Canada’s most successful luger, will be inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Gough made history by winning Canada’s first Olympic medals in luge—a bronze in women’s singles and a silver in the team relay—at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Throughout her career, she amassed 6 World Championship medals and was a nine-time Canadian champion. Since retiring in 2018, she has served as President of Luge Canada, fostering the sport’s growth nationwide. Gough’s ground-breaking achievements have elevated Canadian luge on the world stage and inspired future generations of athletes.

Brady Leman – Alpine Skiing Athlete
Calgary native Brady Leman, born October 16, 1986, is celebrated as one of Canada’s most successful ski cross athletes. Overcoming a broken leg at the 2010 Olympics and a near-podium finish in 2014, Brady achieved gold in men’s ski cross at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. With 6 World Cup victories and 32 podiums, he retired in 2023 after winning his final race on Canadian soil. Beyond his athletic achievements, Brady actively supports future athletes through fundraising and leadership roles, including serving on the Alberta Alpine Ski Association Board. His induction honors his remarkable career and contributions to Canadian skiing.

Brian & Robin McKeever – Para Nordic Skiing
Canmore natives Brian and Robin McKeever are celebrated for their monumental contributions to Para Nordic skiing. Brian, Canada’s most decorated Winter Paralympian, secured 20 Paralympic medals (16 gold) from 2002 to 2022. Despite vision loss from Stargardt’s disease, he excelled remarkably. Robin, a 1998 Olympian, became Brian’s guide, and together they won 10 Paralympic medals. Transitioning to coaching, Robin led Canada’s Para Nordic team to 41 Paralympic medals from 2010 to 2022, with Brian succeeding him as Head Coach in 2022. Their induction honors their athletic achievements and enduring impact on Canadian sports and the Paralympic movement.

Clara Hughes – Cycling & Speed Skating Athlete
Clara Hughes, born in Winnipeg and trained in Alberta, is a six-time Olympic medalist and the only athlete to win multiple medals in both Summer and Winter Games. Excelling in cycling and speed skating, she earned Olympic medals from 1996 to 2010, including gold in the 5,000 meters speed skating event in 2006. Beyond sports, Clara is a leading mental health advocate, founding spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk, and undertook “Clara’s Big Ride” to promote mental health awareness across Canada. Her induction celebrates her exceptional athletic achievements and her significant contributions to mental health and humanitarian causes.

Ross Norton – Wheelchair Basketball Athlete
Calgary’s Ross Norton is a celebrated wheelchair basketball athlete and coach. Overcoming transverse myelitis at a young age, he rose to prominence, winning gold medals at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, and a silver at the 2008 Beijing Games. A key player for the Alberta Northern Lights, he helped them become the first Canadian team to win the NWBA championship in the U.S. Transitioning to coaching, Ross has led teams to success nationally and continues to advocate for para sports development in Alberta. His induction honors his outstanding athletic achievements and lasting impact on the community.

Viviane Forest – Paralympic Multisport Athlete
Viviane Forest, born in Quebec and based in Edmonton, is a distinguished Paralympian who made history by winning gold medals at both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games—the first Canadian woman to do so. With only 4% vision, she excelled in goalball, securing gold at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. Transitioning to alpine skiing, she achieved remarkable success at the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics, medaling in all five events, including gold in Downhill, despite competing with injuries. A passionate advocate and mentor, Viviane’s extraordinary accomplishments and dedication to inspiring others make her a celebrated inductee into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

Dianne Greenough – Cheerleading Builder
After 46 years dedicated to cheerleading, Dianne Greenough is celebrated as a builder of the sport in Alberta. Starting in 1978 at Edmonton’s Victoria High School, she led her teams to over 200 championships, including a world title in 1994. Dianne was pivotal in having cheerleading recognized as an official sport by the ASAA in 1984 and founded the Alberta Cheerleading Association. As head coach of the Edmonton CFL Cheer Team for 23 years, she elevated acrobatics, stunting, and co-ed participation and created the annual Grey Cup Cheer Extravaganza. Co-Founder of Perfect Storm Athletics, she championed inclusivity by offering programs for all athletes including those with special needs. Dianne’s visionary leadership transformed cheerleading provincially and nationally.

Hugh Hoyles – Volleyball Builder
A seminal figure in Alberta volleyball, Hugh Hoyles transformed the sport through decades of dedication. After moving to Alberta in 1960, he became involved with the Edmonton Phoenix Volleyball Club and later coached the University of Alberta Golden Bears to a National Championship in 1980, earning CIAU Coach of the Year. He co-founded the Alberta Volleyball Association and launched the Jasper Volleyball Camp in 1974, revolutionizing coach and athlete development. As Director of Volleyball for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, he elevated the sport’s national profile. Inducted into multiple halls of fame, Hugh’s enduring legacy is the robust volleyball community he helped cultivate.

Les Gramantik – Athletics Builder
Les Gramantik, born in 1949, is a distinguished athletics coach whose five-decade career has greatly influenced Canadian sports. Immigrating to Calgary after coaching internationally, he co-founded the University of Calgary track and field program, leading the Dinos to multiple national championships. As head coach for Athletics Canada, he guided athletes at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Les coached numerous elite athletes, the most notable being Michael Smith, Jessica Zelinka, and Damian Warner to international success. He is a well respected international speaker and member of a number of international coaching organizations such as the European Coaching Congress and the North American, Caribbean Coaching association. Les’s dedication to athlete development and coaching excellence has left an enduring impact on athletics in Alberta and beyond.

Red Deer College Queens Volleyball Team
Between 1981 and 1989, the Red Deer College Queens Volleyball Team dominated Alberta collegiate volleyball, winning eight consecutive ACAC championships—an unmatched record in the conference. With an astonishing 178–5 regular-season record and three undefeated seasons, they showcased unparalleled excellence. Nationally, they earned eight CCAA medals, including a historic gold in 1984, breaking Quebec’s longstanding hold on the championship. Renowned for their talent and sportsmanship, the Queens set records with a 90-set winning streak. Their legacy remains a benchmark in Canadian collegiate sports, exemplifying the heights achievable through dedication, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Arnie Jackson – Bell Memorial Award
A fixture in Alberta sports broadcasting, Arnie Jackson began his career in 1962 at age 18. Over six decades, he became renowned for his coverage of rodeo and chuckwagon racing, as well as hockey and football. Arnie worked with broadcasting legends like Eric Bishop, Joe Carbury, and Ed Whalen. He co-founded the Chuckwagon Radio Network, enhancing the profile of chuckwagon racing. Committed to education, he mentored aspiring broadcasters at Calgary Christian School and SAIT. Honored as WPCA Media Person of the Year twice and PRCA Broadcaster of the Year in 2005, Arnie’s dedication to sports and integrity have left an enduring legacy.

George Hopkins & Dwayne Mandrusiak – Achievement Award
George Hopkins and Dwayne Mandrusiak are legendary equipment managers who have each devoted over 50 years to Canadian football. Hopkins, with the Calgary Stampeders since 1972, and Mandrusiak, with the Edmonton Eskimos since 1971, have each worked over 1,000 games and been part of multiple Grey Cup championships—six for Hopkins and eleven for Mandrusiak. In 1985, they co-founded the Amateur Football Equipment Inspection Program, significantly enhancing equipment safety in youth football across Alberta. Their unparalleled dedication to their teams and contributions to amateur football have made them iconic figures and true builders of the game in Alberta.

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these inductees and their contributions to Alberta’s rich sports history on June 7, 2025.
For more information, please contact Tracey Kinsella, Executive Director at 403-341-8614 or via email at [email protected]

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