The Prettiest Women of USA Weightlifting

48 kgs Stacy Suyama 2009 World Team member
I roomed with Stacy once in 2009 for Pan Ams. She's a very sweet girl.                          

53 kgs Melanie Roach 2008 Olympian
Known best for her comeback story and being a mother of like 4 kids, (one being autistic) and having a gorgeous smile every time she lifted.  

58 kgs Rizelyx Rivera 2009 Pan Am Team member
Rizelyx is known for her fun and zesty personality. She's a stylish single mom!

63 kgs Natalie Burgener 2008 Olympian
Natalie is an awesome training partner with a beautiful smile. She gives the greatest pep talks.

69 kgs Danica Rue 2010 World Team Member
Danica  was a two time Jr. World Team member who pursued a law degree. After taking that much time off, she came back at the 2010 National Championships and kicked booty qualifying for Worlds. Beautiful and exciting to watch lift.

75 kgs Cara Heads 2000 Olympian
Cara is as nice as they come. I love her hair and pretty much anything she does with it. Another girl with a breath taking smile

75+ kgs Rachel Hearn 2004-05 World University Team member/USAW Athlete Representative
Rachel is a bold, sassy, super. She's hands down the best dressed super in the U.S. I think she was voted the best hair-do at a meet one time. Haha.

As you can see, you can still lift weights and be beautiful. These women are beautiful at any size, shape, or color. I've said once, "Strong people are beautiful people." 'Aint that the truth?!

Training 8-27-10

Tranfer Athletes

     Athletes that transfer over to weightlifting may be where we get most of our athletes. Most kids never hear about weightlifting to get started at the same time as the rest of the world. If they do hear about it, many parents think it's dangerous and won't let their kids participate. Many people finally learn some variation of the lifts to help them with their sports. Most of the time it's some sort of gag-reflex inducing technique but, still.

When do athletes get introduced to weightlifting?
~Usually in high school p.e.or team lifting
~If they're lucky, it'll be jr. high or younger
~If they're not so lucky, it'll be college or later

When do they transfer over?
~After their high school careers
~After their collegiate careers

When is the best time to transfer?
~ASAP!

Why do they transfer over?
~They get burn out on the sport they're doing
~They aren't doing well being in a team environment
~They realize that weightlifting is actually the sport they're good at
~They sustain an injury preventing them from playing their primary sport
One of my old teammates said, "i just lift weights...used to play football but the game let me down."

What sports to athletes transfer from?
~Football, Wrestling, Track and field, Gymnastics, and power lifting most commonly. Many other sports transfer over too.
What athletes make the best transitions?
~Athletes that do individual sports tend to make the best transitions.This is because they are used to training and competing by themselves. Sometimes it feels like a lot of pressure when all eyes are on you instead of the whole team so, that previous experience is helpful in preventing "shell shock" or "choking" in competitions.
~Gymnasts and wrestlers make good transfer athletes because of the risky nature of their sports and the level of confidence they have. They aren't afraid to get under heavy weight.


Examples of successful transfer athletes:
Cara Heads (track and field)
Tara Cunningham (gymnastics)
Shane Hamman (power lifting)
Jessica Gallagher (soccer)
Sarah Robles (track and field)
Mark Henry (WWF wrestling)
Jackie Berube (wrestling and gymnastics)

Softball Girls and Quotes of the Week

     We have some high school softball girls that train with us here at Performance One and boy, are they amazing! One of our girls got to pitch at the Jr. Olympics, the other got an offer for a full-ride scholarship to Minnesota and the other is crazy strong. Two of these girls were able to learn to snatch and or clean and jerk on their first day! One girl, she could switch over to weightlifting right now! I wish she would. Ha. Her second week in the gym and she was squatting 80 kgs for sets of 5. She told us her best squat was 200 lbs! She's also like 105 lbs. She's one strong cookie.

Here are some funny quotes I've heard in the past week or so:

"You guys have tomorrow off so, kill yourselves today."
"I may be dumb for an Asian but, I am smart for a White person."
"I'm not one of these lifters that knows what's going on." 
"I'm digging the new blog. I mean, not that I aspire to be a strong woman, but I do want to be as strong as some women."
"I wish I had the quads of a 48 kgs girl."

You Sound Ridiculous

Here are some ridiculous statements we've heard about weightlifting. Then a brief explanation as to why they are ridiculous. Hopefully this will clear up some misconceptions about women's weightlifting.

1.)"You're too small to be a weightlifter."
~Weightlifting has seven weight classes. 48,53,58,63,69,75, and 75+. This means anyone under 105 lbs. to 165 lbs. and over are welcome and able to lift or compete. China is dominating the world of weightlifting right now. One of the reasons is because they are small. (more on this later...)

2.) "I'm  lifting like a boy."
~There are no such things as  "boy" or "girl" exercises or lifts. (Kegel exercises are the only female exercise I can think of but, we won't talk about those here lol.) Both genders lift and compete in the same categories. I can remember talking to my grandpa one time and he asked, "What is your best dead lift and squat?" I replied, "We don't compete in those lifts, Papa." "Oh those must be for the boys then." No, we do all the SAME things.

3.) "I don't want to be as big as her."
~That was said after a our P.E. professor at Alabama asked a girl, "Do you want to be able to lift like that?" I was just thinking last night how ridiculous it would sound if someone asked me "Do you want to vault as high as that girl over there?" "No, I don't want to be that small." Lifting weights will NOT make you big like me. Weightlifting will not make you look like a body builder either. Here are a few reasons this is ridiculous in my head:   (A) My mom is 5'11" and my dad was 6'6"
           (B) I was born 10 lbs. 14 oz. Most two month olds weigh that much!
           (C) I'm 5'10.5"/265 lbs.
So no, weightlifting will not make you grow 5 or more inches, give you giant parents or make you gain over 100 lbs. That's ridiculous. Just as me pole vaulting or doing gymnastics or other "little girl" sports will not make me little.

4.)"I'd hate to get in a fight with you." or "I'd hate to run into you in a dark alley."
~I don't know why people think that just because we lift weights means we want to fight. Or can fight for that matter. Weightlifting doesn't make you want to mame people. Nor can it automatically make you a black belt in Ninja.

5.)"I'm too old to start weightlifting."
~ I heard a 17 year old girl say this. I was stunned. Why would anyone tell her she's too old to start something? At 17, you're not too old for anything, honey. Also, If you are "old" like in your mid to late 20s (just kidding) or much older like, "Senior Discount" status, you can still lift weights." Lisa Fisco as previously mentioned in an older post, started at 47. It's NEVER too late to lift weights!

6)My personal favorite that parents come up with alot is "weightlifting will stunt your growth" Give me scientific fact Sarah is 5'10 it obviously did nothing to her! 

Average Broz : A female perspective

I'm glad this video exists~Sarah

About Sarah

     Here's Sarahs' background in weightlifting: Christina McClure showed me the lifts during my 2003 Track Season. I was so sore I quit! The next year Rich McClure coached at my highschool and forced me to lift to help with throwing. I went to a few local meets in 2004 and 2005. Turns out I actually enjoyed competing. I decided after my throwing career, I'd like to compete full time. I threw for two years in college and I ended up switching over after track season 2008. I competed and medaled at my first Jr. Nationals in 2008 went to Collegiates on the same weekend as two track meets, and then Jr.Worlds. I decided to lift full time. I went to NMU for my first year of lifting. That's where I met the lovely Jessica! I then got accepted to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. I spent one year there, and now, I am currently in Arizona training at Performance One Advanced sports training.

Here's a training video of Jessica. Be sure to check out our youtube pages under "Our favorite Links!!!"

My story:Jessica

My name obviously isn't as common as Sarah Robles, World team member. When i met Sarah i felt like the luckiest girl in the world being invited to train at the Olympic Education Center (O.E.C). Sarah was just barely starting lifting and made every international team you could compete at. Junior Worlds, World universities, Pan Am Championships, and now worlds all within the year.

I started lifting in 2005 and I fell in love. I went through up and downs through out my entire career.
In 2008 i left for the O.E.C where i found out i made my first international competition Quebec Junior Championships. I placed second and had the best meet of my life. Life was great i was on the way to making the Jr world team or so i thought. I had been training two times a day and lived day and night weightlifting. I over did it. I got to Junior Nationals where i knew what i needed to do to make the team. I just had to do what i came there to do. Something i did every day in practice. I choked. Not only did i choke in my second attempt clean and jerk i pulled my shoulder out of place trying to save a jerk. I was out for 7 months.

Emotionally and physically injured i walked away. I couldn't be in the gym think about it or be near it without severe anxiety. After the break i healed. I'm back and in a big way. I'm ready. I remembered what i loved about the sport about how i felt and about my dream. The Olympics.


In 2008 i was named Athlete of the Month for the Florida Weightlifting Federation:
FLORIDA LIFTER


OF THE MONTH

(August)

Sponsored by Advocare

Steve Adams, Sales Representative







Name: Jessica Gallagher

Team: Team Florida Altamonte

Hometown: Longwood, FL

Age: 18

Weight Class: 58kg

Snatch: 63kg

Clean + Jerk: 81kg

Total: 144kg

Experience: 4 years

Next Goal: Quebec Jr. Championship







The FWF has chosen Jessica Gallagher as August's Athlete of the Month. Jessica represents Team Florida Altamonte and has been involved in weightlifting for 4 years. Anyone who knows Jessica well knows it hasn't been the smoothest ride...until the last few months.



Jessica walked into the weight room her Freshman year of High School (Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs, FL). Too shy to train she only observed the first 3 days. After breaking out of her shell, she showed immense talent and athletic ability. Having been a former soccer player, Jessica had no problems with leg strength and squatting ability.



This talent helped Jessica to qualify for a national meet within her first year of lifting (National Schoolage, Merrillville, IN). Weighing an average of 50kg, she and her coach made a decision to move her down to the 48kg class. As would be the story plaguing her rookie years, Jessica had faced a set back. She failed to make weight by a fraction (she weighed 48.01) with no more time left to try. Coach Danny Camargo said, "We did everything right with her diet. She ate clean and healthy for weeks with proper fluids. Her body just didn't want to get rid of the weight." Under the rules set forth by USAW, she was unable to compete and was forced to sit out.



As heartbreaking as that was, Jessica remained positive and made the best of it. Always staying positive, she returned home to improve her abilities. One year later, at the same competition, she aimed to qualify for her first international meet. Fighting head to head with other lifters, Jessica missed 2 crucial attempts. This, coupled with other lifters having 6 for 6 performances lowered Jessica's position down in the ranking. Ultimately, she missed her opportunity.



But as always, "Jessica just keeps coming back", says Coach Camargo. Jessica may feel down from time to time but always finds it in herself to enter the gym each day. She continued to progress, and over the last 18 months, has done well enough to compete at every level (Local, State, Jr. National, Sr. National, and American Open). Her talent caught the eye of 2 different collegiate resident programs (LSU-Shreveport & Northern Michigan University). Overwhelmed at the opportunities, Jessica finally made her choice; and as of last month is a full time member of the United States Olympic Education Center at NMU.



Since then, Jessica received news that her performance at this year's National Junior Championship earned her a spot on Team USA's Jr. group that is headed to the Quebec Jr. Championships in Canada. Now, in her first international meet, Jessica aims to help Team USA do well as they travel in November.



Good luck Jessica. Although it sounds like it began tough for you, it seems the work has paid off. A true sign that never giving up is a valuable trait. The FWF supports all its Florida athletes, and recognizes determination and sportsmanship. Great Job.



To learn more about FWF rewards please click here for records or click here for the Florida elite program

Dreams vs. Reality: Lisa Fisco

     Lisa Fisco, as seen here in this video, has definitely peaked my interest. There are mixed feelings out there about her dreams and apsirations. Some see her as a joke. Some see her as an inspiration. I've been told, "If you reach for the stars, you'll land on the moon." In our gym we have a quote written down saying, "It's hard to fall of a mountain you have not clombed." I personally like the quote, "The best way to fail is to not try." (something like that.)
     Here are some responses to her videos on youtube:
"What a compelling story! You are an incredibly courageous individual whom I truly admire."
"not only is she inpsiring and an awesome person with a captivating personality, but she is also GORGEOUS!!!!"
"Great story!!! Best of luck to you....Inspiration for men too!!!!  You go girl!!!"
     It's inspiring for me to see her trying to fulfill her dreams. I find the most inspiring people are the hardworkers, and the dreamers. When she was working with Coach B she would drive 4 hrs everyday?! That's dedication, baby! There are people who won't drive twenty minutes to train. For a single mom of three to be able to lose 100 lbs and completely change her life at 47 is pretty remarkable. If we didn't dream the world would be very uneventful, lame place.
     Now here's the reality. Lisa is wanting to become the oldest olympic weightlifter ever to compete at the olympics. Is that really possible? Probably not. Consiering these facts (mind you, this is my factual opinion):
1.) The older you are, the harder it is to get stronger. The goal of most master weightlifters is to delay the dropping of their totals as long as possible. Strength maintanence. It takes longer to warm up, and it's easier to get fatigued. This reduces the amount of workload and volume that is needed to become a successful elite athlete.
2.) Consistency: From the videos I have seen she has worked with great coaches like Bob Takano and Mike Burgener. She has worked with Tom Delong as well but, I don't know much about him. How successful can she be training with multiple coaches and different training styles? Not sure. There are many athletes who have had multiple coaches and are still progressing, like me, for example.
3.) You have to be registered with USADA like a year and a half or two before the Olympics. Is she?
4.) You have to compete (I have looked and not seen any of her results) and be in the top 20 overall to attend the Olympic Trials.
5.) Girls at the World Championship/Olympic level are posting at least 200 kgs totals. Is she capable?
     This isn't a "Debbie Downer" post. I want to encourage everyone to "Dream Big" and work hard. At the same time though, be realistic. What can you actually do? You'll never know until you try. I never knew I was going to have success in this sport (never thought I would) until I fully committed to it.
     She may not become an Olympic, World, or National Champion. Weightlifting changed her life! It gave her hope, confidence, and a healthier body. What more could you want? She's an inspiration. I hope her story gets out there so people know they can improve their lives with weightlifting.   

Rankings, World Team Members, and a recipe

Here's a list of the tope 3 girls in each weight class:

48- Kelly Rexroad, Rachel Churchward, and Gina Guide
53-Sarah Davis, Sarah Cowels, and Rachael Bommicino
58-Amanda Sandoval, Jackie Berube, and Riselyx Rivera
63-Natalie Burgener, Holley Dombrovski, and Megan Kranz
69-Danica Rue, Sarah Bertram, and Brianna Barnett
75-Erin Wallace, Rachel Crass, Jamia Jackson
75+-Sarah Robles (that's me,) Chioma Amaechi, Holley Mangold
(...sone of the athletes were in two different weight classes so forgive me if you find different results)

World Team Members:

Kelly Rexroad
Amanda Sandoval
Natalie Burgener
Danica Rue
Erin Wallace
Rachel Crass
Sarah Robles

Muscle Milk Pancakes:
In my pancake batter I like to dump in  2-4 scoops of Muscle Milk powder (chocolate is my favorite) and cook it up. I like to mash up strawberries and put them on top instead of syrup. This tastes pretty awesome. Try it yourselves.

First Post!

Welcome everyone! I hope you will enjoy what we're trying to do here. Jessica Gallgher from Team Florida Altamonte and I were team mates at NMU and still are great friends. She's my partner in crime here. We've been brain storming like crazy!

I wanted to share some quotes from weightlifters I read in old Weightlifting USA magazines.

Summer 2002 volume 29 number 2
Carissa Gordon (Gump)
"USAW: Do you have any advice for younger girls who want to step onto the platform?
Gordon: Hmmm let's see. When I first started people were like, 'Oh my gosh, a girl weuightlifter', but I think a lot has changed now with Tara winning the gold medal and so many girls coming up through the junior squads. We have proved that it can be done, so my advice is to not let anyone tell you you can't because I know some girls who are stronger than guys! Don't let anyone shatter your hopes and dreams."

 Women were first allowed to comnpete in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. The first gold medal ever won in the Olympics was  by Tara Nott (Cunningham). I think her performance was truly inspiring. Here's a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tURLmEw-070