Melissa Ladouceur goes into NBSHOF
A family decision to relocate to North Bay opened up a whole new interest in a sporting activity that Melissa Ladouceur Parks had never really been exposed to. In order to enhance her physical abilities in the sports of hockey and soccer, Melissa took part in a conditioning camp organized by the Norseman and Valkyries Clubs in 1999. Later that year, she was exposed to several barbell movements, and she immediately portrayed outstanding speed, timing and flexibility.
Ladouceur Parks is on the 2025 list of inductees into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame, which includes decorated Nordic skier Dave Nighbor, volleyball star Megan Stacey Manning, Gymtrix owner and longtime gymnastic coach Nikki Chretien, and former NHL and WHA official Peter Moffat.
She was hooked and became a full member of the program. 2000 and 2001 she won gold medals at numerous events in the 44 and 48 kilo class. 2002 was a breakthrough for her as she won the 48 kilo title at the Canadian Juniors and she followed that up going undefeated while setting a new provincial junior record in the 44 kilo class.
The 2003 season saw her reach another milestone, winning the Canadian juniors, being ranked #1 in the Commonwealth rankings and ultimately being named to the Canadian Pan-American Youth Cup team, which saw her once again capture gold in the 48 kilo class.
Following her capturing of the Canadian Junior title once again in 2004, she won the Ontario Seniors meeting the qualification standard to progress to the Canadian Seniors where, as a 17 year old, she became the youngest competitor to ever win the Canadian Championship. She repeated those feats again in 2005.
All told Melissa captured 16 golds at the provincial and national level while setting provincial junior and senior level records in three weight categories – 44, 48 and 53 kilos.
From her involvement in sport of weightlifting she went to secure post - secondary education in Strength and Conditioning, Bachelor of Physical Health and Education and now teaches at the local level.
.Melissa Ladouceur Parks is North Bay’s most decorated female weightlifter and champion.
She will be inducted into the NBSHOF at the 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 2, at the Davedi Club. Tickets can be purchased through Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190.
