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Draft:April Hutchinson

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  • Comment: The use of loaded language like "protection of women in women's sports", as opposed to less emotionally charged alternatives like "opposition to trans women participating in women's sports" render this article non-neutral. JJPMaster (she/they) 02:49, 22 November 2024 (UTC)

April-Lea Christina Hutchinson
Personal information
National teamTeam Canada
Born (1976-04-30) April 30, 1976 (age 48)
Toronto, Ontario
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
SpouseChad Yeo
Websitehttps://www.aprilhutchinson.com
Sport
SportPowerlifting
Medal record
Women's powerlifting
Representing  Canada
North American Regional Powerlifting Championships
Gold medal – first place 2022 Panama Masters 1
Silver medal – second place 2022 Cayman Islands Masters 1
Nationals
Silver medal – second place 2022 Newfoundland Masters 1
Gold medal – first place 2023 British Columbia Masters 1
Central Canadian Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships
Gold medal – first place 2021 Ontario Masters 1
Ontario Provincials
Gold medal – first place 2022 Ontario Open
OPA Masters and Open Provincial Powerlifting Championship
Gold medal – first place 2023 Ontario Masters 1

April-Lea Christina Hutchinson[1] (born April 30, 1976), also known as April Hutchinson, is a Canadian competitive powerlifter from London, Ontario. She is a three-time former Team Canada member and the current Women's North American Powerlifting Federation's M1 84kg+ deadlift record holder.[2] Additionally, she is a women's rights activist[3][4][5][6], focusing her campaign on advocating in opposition to trans women participating in women's sports, with the aim of keeping female sports fair and safe.

Early life

[edit]

Hutchinson was born in Toronto, ON[7], and moved to London, ON, at the age of 5. She attended Hillcrest Public School[8] and Montcalm Secondary School[9]. Born into an athletic family, she started playing sports at a very young age. Her grandfather was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens but could not pursue his hockey dream due to a health condition.

Her father, a retired OPP Superintendent, encouraged April to play a variety of sports in which she excelled during her youth, including track and field, ringette, basketball, and tennis. April was the captain of her high school basketball team from 1990 to 1995 and often won MVP awards. Her mother (now deceased) was an avid runner and devoted her life to living a healthy lifestyle. Hutchinson attributes her ability to excel in sports and her perseverance to her parents.

Career Beginnings

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April began her powerlifting career formally in 2021, debuting in the Central Canadian Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships. Her immediate success on the competitive stage demonstrated her exceptional strength and dedication to the sport.

Achievements and Records

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April Hutchinson has achieved notable success in her career, including:

  • Holding records as an NAPF Deadlift champion[10] in her category.
  • Personal best lifts[11] include a 402.3 lb squat, a 187.4 lb bench press, and a remarkable 496 lb deadlift.
  • Recognition for her performance at the North American Championships, where she won the Masters Award Overall.

Activism

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April Hutchinson has been a prominent advocate for the rights of women in women's sports divisions[12][13][14]. Her activism focuses on lobbying for policies[15][16] that are in opposition to trans women participating in women's sports.

In early 2023[17], Hutchinson began her advocacy by engaging with Canadian policymakers to propose legislation that would restrict the participation of trans women the in female sports categories.

Hutchinson has appeared in various media campaigns[18] and interviews, including Gaines for Girls with Riley Gaines.[19] She has been featured on platforms such as the Tammy Peterson Podcast,[20][21] and Awake & Winning,[22] where she discusses the impact of current sports policies on women's competitions.

In March 2023, Hutchinson participated in a panel discussion at a Canadian sports conference, advocating for regulations that would categorize athletes by biological sex rather than gender identity. Her participation highlighted her commitment to influencing policy changes at both local and national levels.[23]

By mid-2023, Hutchinson had joined forces with international advocacy groups, collaborating to raise awareness and support for her cause.[24] Her campaign, encapsulated in the slogan "Keep Female Sports Female," has resonated with many, sparking debate and discussion across Canada and beyond.

Hutchinson's activism continues to evolve, as she remains a steadfast advocate.

Personal Life

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Beyond her athletic career, April Hutchinson is an advocate for fairness in women's sports. She has gained recognition for her vocal stance against trans women athletes competing in women's categories, a position that has sparked both controversy and widespread debate. She has used her platform to highlight issues she believes are critical for the integrity of women's sports.

April’s journey has also been deeply personal, as she credits powerlifting with helping her overcome significant challenges, including her battle with alcoholism.

Impact and Legacy

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April Hutchinson is regarded as a trailblazer in Canadian powerlifting[25][26]. Her dedication and perseverance make her a key figure in discussions about the future of competitive sports.

References

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  1. ^ "Stats & Facts About Me, April Hutchinson". April Hutchinson. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "NAPF Classic Records". Google Docs. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  3. ^ Tammy Peterson (October 25, 2024). Will Gender Policies RUIN Powerlifting? | April Hutchinson | EP 120. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  4. ^ Hutchinson, April (March 11, 2024). "Watch: My Interview with Megyn Kelly". April Hutchinson. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  5. ^ TRT World (February 9, 2024). Women's Sports l True Colours - Episode 3. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ Piers Morgan Uncensored (November 15, 2023). "It's Licensed Cheating" Piers Morgan Reacts To Transgender Athletes In Women's Sports. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ "Stats & Facts About Me, April Hutchinson". April Hutchinson. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  8. ^ "Hillcrest Public School". hil.wrdsb.ca. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  9. ^ "Home". montcalm.tvdsb.ca. November 21, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  10. ^ "NAPF Classic Records". Google Docs. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  11. ^ "April Hutchinson". www.openpowerlifting.org. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  12. ^ Protecting Women's Sports. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via vimeo.com.
  13. ^ Rebel News (April 17, 2024). Linda Blade and April Hutchinson join forces to offer solutions to the crisis in women's sports. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ Hutchinson, April (May 21, 2024). "My Interview on Newsmax with David Harris Jr". April Hutchinson. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  15. ^ "Tucker Carlson Tonight". www.aprilhutchinson.com. March 8, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  16. ^ Rebel News (February 4, 2024). Alberta to 'spark change' in Canada to protect women's sports: Powerlifter April Hutchinson. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ National Review (March 22, 2023). Female Canadian Powerlifters Speak Out against Trans Competition. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  18. ^ "Real Talk with Zuby Ep. 252". www.aprilhutchinson.com. April 6, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  19. ^ "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  20. ^ Tammy Peterson (October 25, 2024). Will Gender Policies RUIN Powerlifting? | April Hutchinson | EP 120. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  21. ^ "118. The Fight for Fairness in Women's Sports | April Hutchinson". The Tammy Peterson Podcast (published October 18, 2024). March 24, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via Apple Podcasts.
  22. ^ Men Don't Belong In Women's Sports w/ April Hutchinson | EP328. Awake & Winning. June 10, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  23. ^ Hutchinson, April (February 5, 2024). "Alberta to 'spark change' in Canada to protect women's sports: Powerlifter April Hutchinson". April Hutchinson. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  24. ^ Canadian Women's Sex-Based Rights - caWsbar (March 17, 2024). Reality Based Women Unite! 2024 | Real talk on International Women's Day organized by caWsbar. Retrieved November 22, 2024 – via YouTube.
  25. ^ "April Hutchinson: Powerlifter slams trans athlete Anne Andres who broke record in women's division". meaww.com. August 19, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  26. ^ "April Hutchinson". Independent Women's Forum. Retrieved November 22, 2024.


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