Young athlete lifts game for Oceania championships
Tori Gallegos turns her attention to Oceania Championships after Queensland title win.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WEIGHTLIFTING: There is a strength and confidence in Tori Gallegos that belies her small stature.
At first glance she looks like any other teenage girl, but with a barbell in hand she is explosive.
The Glennie School student proved just how explosive she is when winning the Queensland Weightlifting Association U15/17 State Championships.
It's a remarkable achievement considering it was just her second competitive weightlifting meet.
Even more remarkable is how simple her approach is.
"I just listen to my coach Greg (Hobl),” Gallegos said.
"He's amazing and I trust him completely. He gives me a lot of confidence.
"When I'm in the warm up area he's watching - he sees what is working and what isn't.
"He gives me a few things to work on and when I go out to lift that's my focus.
"When I'm lifting I just try to tune out everything and execute my lift.”
Competing in the 63kg division Gallegos won the under-15 and U17 age groups with a 145kg total.
Recording a 64kg snatch and an 81kg clean and jerk Gallegos will now turn her focus to the Oceania Championships.
Gallegos has been named in the Australian team to compete at the championships in New Caledonia from June 25-30 and first goal is simple.
"The first thing I have to do is make weight,” she said.
"The goal is to get down to 58kg to compete in that division.
"I've got a lifting coach, a nutrition coach and a lot of other people supporting - I have to listen to them and make sure I look after myself.
"My recovery is very important between now and the championships.
"The last thing I need is an injury - I want to be as fit and healthy as possible.”
Success at the Oceania level could see Gallegos book her ticket to the Youth Olympics.
"I'd love to make the Youth Olympics team - that would be fantastic,” she said.
"I think I'm in with a good shot, I just have to make sure I'm working hard.”
Two weeks after the Oceania Championships Gallegos will head to the USA for the Teen Crossfit Games.
Originally published as Young athlete lifts game for Oceania championships
Named: The Origin stars who will play in Toowoomba NRL trial
The Broncos and Titans have named star-studded teams for their Toowoomba pre-season showdown this Sunday. Find out who will line-up at Toowoomba Sports Ground here.
League star in induced coma after rural Queensland car crash
A 20-year-old Queensland rugby league star is fighting for life after a car crash left him with severe head and chest injuries. Here’s how you can support him and his family.
NAMED: The players who hold the key in race for Toowoomba cricket finals
As we enter the business end of the Toowoomba cricket competition, we shine a light on the players from each club who could shape the premiership race.
Sport shorts: The Darling Downs and South West stories you need to see
Check out our latest instalment of sports shorts where we shine a light on the region’s sporting stories.
TRL TRACKER: Former NRL playmaker signed in shock move
TRL TRACKER: A TRL club has made one of the biggest moves this off-season with the acquisition of an elite playmaker. Details here.
Titans win stampede to sign boom Coast twins
The Gold Coast Titans have won a stampede to sign boom Year 9 twins from King’s Christian College, but a Logan City young gun from Cameron Smith’s old school remains hot property.