Pierce Northcott practicing his deadlifts in the Mackenzie Recreation Centre weight room, which will soon officially be named the Pierce Northcott and Bryce Surgenor Weight Room

By Tommy Osborne

Powerlifter

Unofficial powerlifting world record holder recognized in Mackenzie

Sep 15, 2025 | 5:04 PM

MACKENZIE – The District of Mackenzie is happy to announce it passed a motion to name its weight room in the Mackenzie Recreation Centre the “Pierce Northcott and Bryce Surgenor Weight Room.” This is to recognize Northcott’s unofficial world record at the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games, as he deadlifted 451 pounds.

“I thought it wasn’t real, I thought it was a dream, so I had to double check everything, like, I had to pinch myself,” Northcott said about his reaction when he first heard the news.

“I was shocked, it took me two days of saying, ‘wow, I can’t believe they’re naming something after me and my coach,” he continued.

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As for Bryce Surgenor, he is Northcott’s coach, so the room also recognizes Surgenor’s importance in helping Northcott hit world record lifts.

“I wouldn’t be here today without him. He trained me, he showed me how to do it right, not hurting my muscles, so I owe him a lot,” Northcott said.

It’s a special honour not just for Northcott and Surgenor, but the entire District of Mackenzie, which says it is absolutely thrilled to recognize one of its community members who is already shaping up to be one of the country’s best athletes.

“There’s not many people that actually hold world records, and I don’t know anybody else that does except for Pierce. So this is important, and I think he should be recognized and it’s great for our community,” said District of Mackenzie Councillor Andy Barnes.

“Our community is extremely proud of the accomplishment that Pierce was able to achieve. It just goes to show that with determination and the support of family and good coaching and the community, you can achieve great things,” added Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson.

Atkinson called the recreation centre the “flagship of the community,” so she says it’s especially nice to be able to recognize Northcott and Surgenor in a space many people attend.

“It’s hugely encouraging to all young people that if you have the determination and the willpower, you can achieve great things, not just at a local region level or a regional level, you can accomplish great things that are going to be recognized worldwide. And that’s exactly what Pierce has done,” Atkinson said.

As for Northcott’s future, he says he isn’t fully sure what it holds, but knows he’ll keep on working in the gym to achieve bigger lifts and prepare for more competitions ahead.

“I’m just aiming for 500 pounds for deadlift and getting my bench higher and my squats higher,” he said.

District Council passed the motion to rename the room, and once it receives a plaque the name change will become official.

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