Team PEI 2026's Powerlifting Athlete, Sophia Allen, is Ready for her Big Moment on the Platform!
After years of training, and several days of cheering on her teammates, Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting athlete, Sophia Allen is ready for her moment in the spotlight at the Special Olympics Canada Games 2026 in Medicine Hat!
It's been a good week so far. I am excited to do my Lifts!
Sophia, who is an experienced Powerlifting athlete, and has competed in Special Olympics divisions at several Powerlifting competitions across North America. These Games, however, are Sophia's first Special Olympics Canada Games.
My goal for Games is to get my nine lifts!
To help Sophia achieve her goals her coach, Ellen Murphy, motivates Sophia by watching old film together, focusing on where Sophia has had some really big lifts previously. Before she walks out on the podium, Sophia recalls the message from her coach "You've got this!"
Sophia coach, Ellen Murphy, also has a wealth of experience attending Major Games, in both Special Olympics and generic sport. Ellen has been Team PEI Mission at 3 previous Special Olympics Canada Games. These Games are the first time Ellen is attending an SOC Games as a Head Coach. Through this opportunity Ellen has gotten to know Sophia really well, and is thrilled to be supporting her in this opportunity.
I am looking for Sophia to go out and have a good day on the platform and enjoy the process. She loves getting to interact with her peers at a competition, loves that spotlight on the platform for her nine lifts.
Ellen credits Sophia with overcoming some significant challenges on the road to Games. Team PEI Powerlifting was originally meant to be a team of 2 athletes. Due to a last minute injury, Sophia's teammate, Cameron Gordon, had to withdraw from Team PEI 2026. Despite the disappointment, Sophia remains motivated knowing that Cameron will be cheering her on from home!
Sophia has also had some opportunities to focus on her nutrition and mental performance throughout the journey to Games.
Heading into her competition, Ellen agrees that her message to Sophia is simple:
I really want her to enjoy the experience. Hopefully this is the first of many Games for Sophia. I hope she enjoys every last bit of her competition.
Cheer on Team PEI 2026
Be sure to follow along with all things Team PEI 2026 on our website and social media (Facebook & Instagram - @SpecialOPEI). Go Team PEI Go!