Like most teenagers Aurelia Norris dabbled in a number of sports before finally nailing down one she wanted to dedicate herself to.
Gymnastics, rugby union and even boxing were all on her try-out list and while she enjoyed parts of those disciplines none really ticked all the necessary boxes.
That’s how Aurelia from Mt Tamborine described her journey to the sport of weightlifting less than two years ago.
The 14 year-old is now hooked on the sport and last month it took her along with her family to Melbourne for the Australian Youth Weightlifting Championships.
“It was my first major competition and while I didn’t come away with a medal I got a lot of confidence from it,” Aurelia said.
“I beat my competition best in the snatch discipline and my performance overall has encouraged me to keep on training with Matt Symmonds down at Helensvale.”
Aurelia says it creates a lot of questions when she tells people she is a weightlifter.
When she explains to them that it’s a sport that can help with fitness, health and build you physique at the same time they quickly understand why she took it up.
“I enjoy putting myself to the test and what’s also good about the sport is the support you get from fellow athletes,” she said.
“Even the coaches of the other competitors are keen to offer you tips.”
Aurelia is not sure just how long she will pursue weightlifting, for now she says she will continue going to the gym trying the raise the bar and hopefully one day bring home a championship medal.
