Summer student Nico Seamans wins bronze on world stage

Nico Seamans is one of several talented students working across the J.D. Irving, Limited Sawmills Division this summer and he's recently made a splash on the world stage. The engineering summer student at Grand Lake Timber, in Chipman, N.B., recently took home bronze for Canada at the World Bench Press Championship in Drammen, Norway.

In May, Nico joined 1,400 athletes aged 14 to 88 from 47 different countries to compete in the strength sport of power lifting.

“It was quite an honour to be able to represent Canada at such a large event, let alone win bronze,” said Nico, who is currently a fourth-year mechanical engineering student living in Fredericton, N.B.

This was Nico’s first international competition, though he’s been competing provincially and nationally since 2022. He first joined the sport in 2020 after his dad built a home gym during the pandemic.

“I was looking for something to do so I started working out. From there I got a coach and nutritionist to help with my progress and recovery,” Nico said. “What really kept me coming back to these competitions was the friendly atmosphere.”

“Everyone in this sport is supportive and cheers you on even if they are competing against you,” he added. “From local meets to international meets, the friendliness doesn’t change.”

That support extends to his coworkers at Grand Lake Timber who were excited to cheer him on from home.

"So far what I like about Grand Lake Timber is the ability to take part in projects that can make a difference," Nico said. "Just because I’m a student doesn't mean I’m lesser than the rest of the crew." 

Nico already has his eyes on what’s next as he trains to qualify for other international and national tournaments.

“My next goal is to go back to the World Bench Press Championship,” he said. “And hopefully win it this time.”