Valérie Leone

Fitness Coach

Valérie Leone joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2012. She served as a medical technician for over 8 years with the 51st Field Ambulance in Montreal. Having performed various tasks with the health services and participated in two domestic operations, she decided to reorient her military career by commissioning from the ranks. She now serves as Personnel Selection Officer for the 34th Canadian Brigade Group and holds the position of Senior Conflict Management Advisor within the Brigade. Valérie is also acting as the 34 CBG Headquarters Sports Officer.
 
Valérie is an accomplished woman in every sphere of her life; she holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in criminology and was a doctoral student in criminology for 2 years at the Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
 
Valerie began her powerlifting journey in 2017. She immediately demonstrated the work ethic of a dedicated seasoned athlete. She went on to sweep meet after meet putting up incredible performances with her signature squat as her main strength. She is the current squat record holder at 114 lbs body weight and tied for first in the 123 lbs weight class. She is also a qualified official at the national level in several powerlifting federations. Her performances and involvement in the world of sport have earned her the distinction of Canadian Army Female Athlete of the Year for 2022.
 
In 2023, across all weight classes, genders, and federations she finished 2nd overall by coefficient score in Canada. At the world level, she placed 10th in the world at 132 lbs Bodyweight. She won the largest powerlifting competition in Canada titled ‘Shellshock’ standing head and shoulders above her competitors.
Her performances granted her an invitation to the Ghost Clash III and IV, an international Pro-level meet, known as one of the biggest powerlifting events in the world. She is now the third female Canadian powerlifter of all time.
Her performances and work ethic embody the leadership principle of leading be an example; she has taken several other female lifters under her wing and have helped them on their quest in strength sports. Through her sportsmanship’s and involvement in the community, many in powerlifting and the CAF look up to her. She has inspired many female athletes to push beyond their limits and have empowered them to break the traditional stereotypes associated with women in strength sports.
 
She co-founded the South Shore Iron gym in 2019. Operating her business, which also revolves around this sport, she has built a community of strength, health and fitness for those around her. She participates as a judge and meet organizers within federations in Canada, in order to give back to the community which she loves so much.