Nataly Barbosa shatters 4 world records on Canadian soil
She has taken the Canadian powerlifting scene by storm, smashing four world records and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
At 54, Winchester Hills powerlifter and fitness coach Nataly Barbosa, affectionately known as Coach Nats, is proving that passion, perseverance, and purpose can lead to greatness.
A mother of three, animal lover, and full-time fitness fanatic, Barbosa recently broke four world records at the 2025 GPC Canadian Powerlifting and Single Lift Championships, despite immense personal and financial challenges.
A lifelong passion for fitness
Her love for fitness began at 19.
“Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to play sport due to religious reasons,” she recalled. “But there was a gym right behind the house where I lived. Since I couldn’t take part in school sports, I would sneak off to the gym after school and stay there as long as I could. That’s where I fell in love with fitness. The first people I helped to get fit were my friend and her mother.”
Nataly only discovered powerlifting four years ago, just before the Covid-19 pandemic, after taking on a personal challenge to try something new.
“When competing in Strongman, I was always smaller compared to the other women, and that limited how far I could go,” she explained. Encouraged by friends in both Strongman and powerlifting, she switched disciplines.
“Powerlifting is a strength sport based on three core lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. It has more variety in weight, age, and category, making it a fairer competition overall.”
Now competing in the Masters 3 division, Barbosa also qualifies for the Open category. Despite facing financial constraints, she used her life savings to travel to Canada.
“After going through a traumatic divorce and other difficulties, I prayed for guidance. When I applied for my visa, I received immigration papers. I took that as a sign from God.”
Breaking records on the world stage
With just two weeks to prepare, Barbosa received confirmation for her trip 20 minutes before her final decision was due.
“It was a hard decision because I love my children, my dogs, and my country. But it had to be done.”
She travelled for three days. Two from South Africa to Canada and one more to reach the competition venue. With little rest and battling jet lag, she competed the next day and broke four world records in the Masters 3 category (66.5kg body weight): 181kg squat; 207.5kg deadlift; 102.5kg bench press; 205kg total bench.
“I felt privileged and blessed to step onto a global stage and represent myself and my country,” she said. “I’m grateful for the support I received, even from strangers.”
Although rest is typically crucial after a major meet, she credits last year’s competition, also without rest, with preparing her mentally and physically for this one.
More than just weights
Currently based abroad, Coach Nats is working with a Paralympic athlete who is blind, and she remains committed to helping others improve their lives through fitness.
“I do this for a living, and I’ll help anyone who needs it,” she said. Her mission goes beyond lifting heavy weights. “It’s about helping someone with diabetes learn to eat better or preparing someone to run their first 10km. As much as it’s physical, it’s mental too.”
She is now preparing for the GPC World Championships 2025 in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil.
“The most fulfilling part of this journey is seeing the difference in other people’s lives. It goes beyond winning a competition.”
Her message to women wanting to take up powerlifting is simple:
“Just start and don’t doubt yourself.”
Although she misses home, she said she is proud to represent South Africa.
“This journey has made me thankful for all the things we so often take for granted,” she said.
