Wesley Weightlifting sending lifters to nationals

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A local weightlifting gym that has produced U.S. Olympians will have multiple lifters competing at nationals this weekend.

Wesley Weightlifting, led by Hall of Fame coach Dennis Snethen, will have eight lifters competing at the USA Weightlifting 2026 Nationals in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

"It's speed and strength," Snethen said. "It's a little different than, than a normal gym. They got to be quick. They got to learn how to pull and squat, press, and it's very dynamic."

The eight weightlifters competing include Blaise Atkinson, Ayden Cobiella, Eliza Meyer, Sophia Morlock, Maddy Pashik, Paris Rigg, Cree Seever and Cambria Thomas.

It will be a special weekend for Seever, who is just nine-years-old, because he will be competing for Snethen, who is his grandfather.

"He's coming along," Snethen said. "He's going to do well. He's in the 11 and under division. He's only nine, so we'll see how he does."

For more information on USA Weightlifting and this weekend's competitions, click here.