Sarnia’s own Boady Santavy has been selected to represent Canada in weightlifting at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. As one of only two weightlifters on Team Canada, Santavy’s inclusion highlights his exceptional dedication and skill, as well as the strength of a family legacy deeply rooted in the sport.
Santavy, 27, follows in the footsteps of a family of weightlifters. Boady’s grandfather Bob Santavy first competed for Canada at the 1967 Pan Am Games and went on to win a silver medal at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games, a bronze in the 1975 Pan Am Games and the 1978 Commonwealth games, as well as an Olympic appearance at the 1976 Summer Olympics, finishing 16th.
His father, Dalas Santavy, a prominent figure in Canadian weightlifting, will also be part of the Olympic journey as a member of the coaching staff. This father-son duo brings a rich tradition and continuity to the sport, symbolizing the power of generational talent and mentorship.
Boady’s brothers Noah and Bradyn are also accomplished lifters.
“Generations of weightlifters have gone before me, and I am proud to raise the bar for Canada,” Santavy said in a statement. “I have been through the fire to reach the pinnacle of the Olympic Games, and I will not let Canada down."
Santavy's journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. At the COVID-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the 96-kilogram weight class by just one kilogram. This near-miss only fueled his determination to excel further.
Competing in the Olympics is not just a personal achievement for Santavy, it’s about representing Canada on the world stage and honoring the legacy of Canadian weightlifting. “I will take the platform in Paris with pride, knowing that my life is my message and my strength comes from a higher power,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment and sense of purpose.
The weightlifting community in Canada has a rich history, with athletes who have set standards of excellence. Santavy’s participation in the Paris Olympics continues this legacy, inspiring future generations of weightlifters. His journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the support of a strong community.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw nearer, anticipation builds for Santavy, his supporters, and the Canadian sports community. The Olympics are the culmination of years of preparation, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. For Santavy, it’s an opportunity to showcase his talent, honor his family’s legacy, and contribute to Canada’s sporting heritage.
In Paris, Santavy will step onto the platform with the weight of his dreams, his family’s support, and a nation’s hopes on his shoulders. Whether he stands on the podium or not, Boady Santavy’s message is clear: his life and strength are testaments to the higher ideals he strives to uphold, and his story will continue to inspire long after the final lift.
The stage is set for Boady Santavy to raise the bar once more, and in doing so, elevate the sport of weightlifting and the spirit of Canada on the global stage.