The government of British Columbia extends its warmest congratulations to B.C.-trained powerhouse weightlifter Christine Girard for her bronze medal at the London Olympic Games.

Girard won her medal in the 63-kilogram category in Tuesday's competition, coming from behind to secure the victory. She was in fourth place after the snatch competition but lifted a total 236 kilograms to finish third after the clean and jerk. Kazakhstan's Maiya Maneza won gold in the competition, while Russia's Svetlana Tsarukaeva took silver.

Girard was born in Ontario and lived for many years in Rouyn-Norand, Que., but has trained in White Rock since 2010. Her husband, Walter Bailey, is one of her coaches. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Girard was just three kilograms off a medal.

Her medal Tuesday was part of a thrilling day at the London Olympics that saw Canadians win three bronze medals. Quebec divers Roseline Filion and Meaghan Benfeito took bronze in the women's 10-metre synchronized event. Quebec City's Antoine Valois-Fortier captured Canada's first judo medal since 2000 by defeating American Travis Stevens 1-0.

Quote:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Congratulations to Christine Girard for her outstanding performance at the London Games! Christine's demonstrated commitment to weightlifting and her perseverance in achieving her goals makes her a motivating role model for emerging athletes. Well done, Christine and congratulations to all Canadian medal winners."

Quick Facts:

• Girard is the first Canadian woman to win a weightlifting medal at the Olympic Games.
• Girard won the bronze medal in weightlifting, 63-kilogram category.
• She was born Jan. 3, 1985, in Elliot Lake, Ont. and moved to White Rock in 2010.
• She has been a member of Canadian weightlifting team since 2002.
• Her coaches are Guy Greavette and Walter Bailey.
• Her height: 5 feet, 2 inches, and her weight: 138 lbs.

Learn More:

• London 2012: http://www.london2012.com/weightlifting/
• Christine Girard: http://christinegirard.ca/

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
250 208-4028 (cell)