Mansfield weightlifter Xavier Lusignan is preparing to head to South America later this month to defend the gold medal that he won last year at the Junior Pan-American Championships. The competition will take place from May 10-15 in Manizales, Colombia.

This is his third time appearing in the Junior Pan-Ams, and it will be the last year that the teenager will be able to compete in junior competitions. He told CHIP 101.9 that he has his sights set on returning to the podium.

He also spoke about several other competitions that he had lined up later this year, including both the Canadian Junior and Senior Championships. Placing well in these competitions will enable him to compete at the respective world championships. He said the moving to the senior age category would mean a big step up in competition.

The full interview with Lusignan is available below: