Canadian weightlifter Maude Charron ready for new chapter at Commonwealth Games

It's an exciting time for weightlifting in Canada.

Riding a wave of momentum created by Maude Charron's gold-medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics last summer, the sport is soaring to new heights. Charron delivered Canada's first Olympic weightlifting medal since 2012, and her success has created a ripple effect by generating more support and interest.

"We have a great future in weightlifting," Charron told CBC Sports. "After the Olympics, Canadian weightlifting has had more support and more attention, which helps a lot for our development and for the next generation."

Charron leads Canada's 14-member weightlifting team this month at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England — where she will be looking to return atop the podium after winning gold in 2018 on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Canada boasts a strong team that features four other Tokyo Olympians, along with some exciting newcomers. Canada has eight women and six men competing from July 30 to Aug. 4 at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre. Charron is competing in the women's 64-kilogram weight class.

"Everyone is in shape. Everyone is excited for this awesome competition; it's going to be a good one," Charron said.

The team includes three other medallists from the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with fellow Olympians Boady Santavy (96kg), Rachel Leblanc-Bazinet (55kg) and Tali Darsigny (59kg) also looking to get back on the podium. Santavy's resume also includes a silver medal at last year's world championships.

WATCH | Charron claims gold at 2018 Commonwealth Games:

But the weightlifting competition in Birmingham will also provide a look at some rising Canadians who signify a major shift for the overall makeup of the national team.

"We have an interesting new