Female weightlifter, Melanie Roach, is attempting to compete in the 2008 Olympics.
Roach originally planned to compete in the 2000 Olympics, but was prevented by a back injury picked up in 1999. She sustained the injury working out just three weeks before the timed Olympic trials.
Shortly after this injury she retired from professional weightlifting and started a business and family. In 2005, Roach decided once again to try and compete in the Olympics, and started her training regime.
2008 Olympics
Roach is currently ranked number one overall in the United States timed Olympic trials.
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Fast Facts
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Fact:
Age 33
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Fact:
Three children, including 5-year-old autistic boy
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Fact:
Can lift 238 pounds over her head
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5 feet 1 inch tall
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Weight
117 pounds
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A gymnast until 1997
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1998
Took up weight lifting
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First for an American woman to lift twice her body weight
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Roach family owns a successful gymnastics business
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Fact:
Her husband Dan Roach is currently a state representative on his third term for Washington
