XConditioning owner Mike Webber coaches powerlifter Brooklyn Charbonneau, who is competing in the upcoming Nationals
Powerlifting Nationals

Prince George powerlifters prepare to host National Championship

May 22, 2026 | 2:58 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – For the 12th year in a row, Prince George will be hosting the 2026 World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) Nationals. XConditioning will be the site, and it’s an opportunity the gym, and powerlifting community at large, loves to host.

“It started because we were the biggest part of powerlifting in Canada at the time. 12 years ago in Western Canada, we were the centre of powerlifting in the small little town of Prince George, and it’s just carried on since then because we have the experience, we have the judges here,” explained XConditioning owner Mike Webber.

“With Nationals you need international judges so people can set world records. You have to have at least two international judges for it for every lift, so we’re the only ones that have that here,” Webber continued.

Among the local powerlifters competing is 12-year-old Brooklyn Charbonneau, and it will be her first time competing at a National event. She says she’s really excited for the opportunity, especially in her home gym, and has been focused on just doing the best she can and hopefully setting some personal records.

“Just a growth mindset helps a lot. Just getting your confidence boosted up helps a lot. Just got to go out there and have fun,” she said, on her mental approach before the event.

Charbonneau practicing her deadlifts
Charbonneau practicing her deadlifts

Webber adds it’s always fantastic to be able to host Nationals, as it allows local athletes the opportunity to grow and experience these large events, in what otherwise may have been an inaccessible tournament.

“It’s awesome because most of them wouldn’t go to Nationals because it’s such an expense. We live in Prince George, you have the extra flight to Vancouver before you get to go to Toronto, or Montreal, or Ottawa, or somewhere, and the cost is just so high. But because its Nationals and the rest of the country will come here, the local athletes get to come sleep in their own beds, expenses are low, and they all get to compete in a large event, which is fantastic,” Webber said.

Webber adds athletes as far away as Quebec will be travelling here for Nationals.