Springfield pumps up in 2007

According to a St. John’s Health System news release, about 300 weightlifters ages 13–17 are expected to compete in the championship, which will be held at the Clarion Hotel. St. John’s HealthTracks Team Trax Weightlifting, one of USAW’s 45 local weightlifting committee affiliates, submitted the bid proposal for the competition.

In addition to being a USAW affiliate, St. John’s HealthTracks Sports Training Center’s weightlifting program became an official Olympic training program when Springfield was named a Community Olympic Development Program site in December 2003.

Both St. John’s HealthTracks and Springfield-Greene County Park Board facilities will be used to train athletes in weightlifting and tennis.

“We are an up-and-coming part of USA Weightlifting and have a lot to offer in this area,” said Coach Brandon Ezzell.

USAW is the national governing body for Olympic weightlifting and is responsible for conducting Olympic weightlifting programs throughout the country. Five national championships are sanctioned each year in all age groups.

Top competitors are selected by USAW to compete in all major international events, such as the Olympic games, World Junior and World Senior championships and the Pan American Games.