International Women’s Day : time to recognize the successes
March 6, 2020 - Defence Stories
By Christine Geoffrion, Public Affairs Coordinator, Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School
International Women's Day is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary achievements of some of the women who are members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
At the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, we recognize that everyone's work is important and essential to the proper development of future CAF members. In many ways, our colleagues are involved, in causes that are important to them. We want to highlight the successes of two of our members.
Master Corporal Pamela Matthews - Radically Changing Her Life
Caption
MCpl Matthews competing at a national event in June 2019.
Muscle Insider, Allmax photo by Simon Lau.
Following a significant weight gain after an accident, Master Corporal (MCpl) Matthews decided to take charge and take care of herself. In six months, she lost 60 pounds. In 2004, she met fellow member Sergent (Sgt) Cindy Dickson and discovered bodybuilding. This meeting would forever change her life. She began to train for two hours every single day, independentally.
MCpl Matthews began competing at national bodybuilding competitions in 2004 and has maintained her place in the top 5 since 2012. In 2018, she obtained her professional card from the International Federation of Bodybuilding, which permits her to compete at an international level.
In order to succeed in this feat, you must be dedicated. "It's a lifestyle," she says about maintaining a strict diet. "Eating is now for a purpose, not for fun." She is at the gym by 4:45 am every morning, to continue her intense training.
The international bodybuilder joined the CAF in 2005 at the age of 34 as an Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technicians (ATIS Tech) following the loss of her civilian job. It was her veteran father who advised her to enlist. She is currently posted to the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School where she works with candidates who have difficulty passing the FORCES test. Her bodybuilding knowledge Now, she gives back by sharing her bodybuilding knowledge.
Pittsburg will be the location of her next competition this coming September.
Sergeant Caroline Chartrand - Exploiting Your Potential
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Sgt Chartrand at a national competition in 2019.
Sgt Chartrand has always been active. From an early age, she participated in snowboarding competitions and excelled in individual sports. At the age of 16, she began her efforts to join the CAF and finally enlisted four years later in 2007 as an aerospace control operator. She has since been posted to North Bay, Moose Jaw, Colorado Springs and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The next destination on the list to call home will be Winnipeg.
Sgt Chartrand learned about CrossFit and, simultaneously, weightlifting in Moose Jaw. She saw her potential in this discipline and participated in her first competition in a local park in Saskatchewan in 2012. She won 3 Canadian records in the last year in the 30-35 year old - 76 kg category, at the Quebec Master Championship and at the Canadian Masters Weightlifting Federation Haltérophile Canadienne Maîtres (CMWFHCM) Nationals. Her goal is to participate in international competitions, which she can do as soon as she turns 35. Until then, a short break for the arrival of the first baby, after which she will work to get back into shape and return to competition.
In addition to being an accomplished weightlifter, Sgt Chartrand trains other fans of the sport and is studying to obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Manitoba. In the near future "an international podium would be extraordinary" she mentions.