The NAOS2 event, organized by USA Weightlifting, tests competitors with two Olympic lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Each athlete is given three attempts at each lift, and the highest successful lifts are combined for their total score. For Amanda, her goal was simple: go 6/6 and leave everything she had on the platform.
Having competed in only two local meets before qualifying for this prestigious event, Amanda has already made a name for herself in the weightlifting community. Her local competitions earned her 1st and 2nd place finishes, securing her spot at NAOS2, a remarkable achievement for someone who only recently took up the sport.
At NAOS2, Amanda lifted with precision and confidence, making all six attempts in the overhead lifts, an impressive feat for any weightlifter. In her words, “I hit 6/6 (overhead) and a top-10 finish (6th place), so Iâm ecstatic and overall happy with my performance!” While two of her successful lifts were red-carded by the judges due to a technicality (the strict rule against “pressing out” in weightlifting), Amanda is still proud of her accomplishment and rightfully so.
Reflecting on her journey, Amanda shared: âAfter spending nearly 20 years of my life turning every page of a fitness and nutrition resource I could get my hands on and trying every workout, supplement, diet, and program that came my way; Iâve settled at a place in my journey where I can rest, knowing fitness and nutrition is not something you strive for or chase after. Itâs the life you create.â
Amandaâs approach to fitness is holisticâit’s not just about numbers on a scale or weights on a barbell. Itâs about consistency, dedication, and creating a life built around health and strength. She embodies a commitment to being real, vulnerable, and transparent with those who follow her journey, both the good days and the tough ones.
Beyond her personal achievements, Amanda has shared her passion and expertise with others through coaching Fitcamps here at Bulldog Gym. She brings the same drive and encouragement that fuels her own success to her coaching, helping others to push past their limits and reach new heights in their fitness journeys.
At Bulldog Gym, weâve witnessed Amanda’s resilience and passion first-hand. Whether sheâs lifting alone in her garage, with friends, or at local meets, Amandaâs drive to share her journey and help others is evident. Sheâs not just lifting weightsâsheâs lifting up those around her.
Her message is one of hope and encouragement: âWherever youâre at in your journey, Iâm glad youâre here. Thank you for being here and following along with me.”
Congratulations to Amanda for her incredible performance at NAOS2! We canât wait to see what you achieve next.
