North Bay powerlifter sets world record, wins international gold

North Bay’s Tihana Draves set a world record and won gold in women’s 84kg classic at the 2025 IPF World University Powerlifting Cup in Istanbul.

A 24-year-old powerlifting athlete from North Bay, Ont., made history at the 2025 International Powerlifting Federation World University Powerlifting Cup in Istanbul, Turkey, securing a gold medal and setting a new world record in the Women’s 84 kg Classic division.

Tihana Draves, representing Swansea University, dominated the competition with a total lift of 461.5 kg, comprising a 185.5 kg squat, 98.5 kg bench press and 177.5 kg deadlift. Her performance not only earned her the top podium spot but also established a new world record for the university-level event.

Draves narrowly edged out silver medalist Kerry Wood of the University of Nottingham by a mere three kilograms.

A surprising triumph in her international debut

Reflecting on her victory, Draves admitted she hadn’t anticipated such a breakthrough.

“I didn’t know it was happening. I knew that I was probably going to beat a few records, but I wasn’t too sure,” she said. “It was my first international meet. So, I was just trying to stay calm and stay collected.”

The World University Cup, organized by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), brings together elite student-athletes to compete in classic (raw) powerlifting. As the sport’s global governing body, the IPF oversees international championships, ratifies world records and promotes drug-free competition across all age groups.

From gymnastics to powerlifting stardom

Draves, who grew up in North Bay, has long been drawn to individual sports, initially excelling in gymnastics before discovering powerlifting just a year and a half ago while studying at Swansea University in Wales.

Starting university later than most of her peers, she sought a new outlet for personal growth.

“I was introduced to my coach Will, and I think he kind of realized like, ‘Oh. She might not be bad at this,’” she said. “So, I started getting coached while following a program. Then I competed a few times and then got invited to represent GB (Great Britain).”

Her rapid rise in the sport has been remarkable. Earlier this year, she achieved personal bests at the British Universities and Colleges Sport Powerlifting Championships in the UK, setting the stage for her record-breaking performance in Istanbul.

Ambitions for the future

With her landmark victory, Draves now sets her sights on senior international competitions.

“It was an exciting journey. I’m happy I could do it,” she said. “I could kind of be a different force in powerlifting being a young woman that could do well.”

After graduating, Draves told CTV News she plans to return to Canada and explore the country’s powerlifting scene.

“It is a bit addictive,” she said with a chuckle, acknowledging her drive to push herself further.