Tyler flew with the team for his first national meet. After discovering weightlifting through his dad, he decided to start competing. As a 13U lifter, Tyler qualified for nationals. Despite his nerves, he performed admirably, achieving a 3 for 6 day with a 29 kg snatch, a 38 kg clean and jerk, and a 67 kg total. Tyler placed 5th in the 13 and under 44 kg weight class. After his session, he enjoyed helping his teammates in the back and soaking in the national meet atmosphere. We hope this experience has sparked a love for competing and pushing his limits. Back to the gym, Tyler, and let's aim for another nationals!

Tai qualified for his third nationals at 81 kg. He balanced his training with baseball and asked his sister Taelor for support and to document his journey. Tai went 5 for 6, making a significant 10 kg jump on his last clean and jerk attempt to 100 kg, just missing the jerk. Tai placed 7th in his age group and weight class. As he moves into the 16-17 age group, the journey becomes more challenging. His hard work and determination will help him reach a fourth nationals.

Amaya reached her third nationals, overcoming significant obstacles to make weight, including cutting over 6 inches of her hair. Despite this, she refocused and had the best meet of her life, going 6 for 6 and hitting PRs in the snatch (51 kg), clean and jerk (61 kg), and total (112 kg). Amaya joined Coach Tiff as the only lifters to go 6 for 6 on the national stage. She placed 6th in her age group and weight class from the B session. This was her last nationals as a youth lifter; next year, she'll be in the junior division with heavier qualifying totals. We can't wait to see her crush it in her senior year.

This was Kaylee's fourth nationals. She is the most seasoned lifter besides Coach Tiff. Her goal-setting and execution on the platform are remarkable. Kaylee's hard work and dedication have brought her back to nationals each year. This year, she went 6 for 6, joining Amaya and Coach Tiff as 6 for 6 national lifters. She achieved PRs and state records with a 53 kg snatch, a 63 kg clean and jerk, and a 119 kg total. Kaylee placed 11th out of 25 in a competitive 59 kg weight class. She has one more year as a youth lifter and is now inspiring the next generation of lifters as a coach. We are blessed to have her in our gym.