Humpday Health: Weightlifting champ talks about her passion for the sport

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — When she was just seven years old, Ava Davis decided she wanted to give weightlifting a try. Now at 15 years old, Davis has come a long way in the sport, or art form as her coach calls it, of weightlifting.

“My coach wouldn’t let me do a lot of weight when I was little just because of like safety reasons. I had to develop the right technique to do the right amount of weight so I wouldn’t get hurt,” Davis said.

Today Davis is going for the gold on the national stage.

“In kilograms, I can snatch 69,” said Davis. That’s about 152 pounds.

“And then my clean and jerk is 86,” Davis said. That is almost 190 pounds.

Those achievements do not go unnoticed.

“I’ve won three nationals. I have eight national medals,” said Davis.

She was on the USA team in 2015 and again this year and she is an alternate for the Youth Pan-Am team which competes in Guatemala this September.

“Ava’s incredible. She’s been with me for several years now. She works hard. She’s a phenomenal talent and a better kid,” said coach Walter Neubauer.

Davis said weightlifting is for kids, adults, men, and women alike.

“Actually we have more women that come in here and train than guys,” Davis said.

She said it’s all about enjoying the sport and sticking with it. And for those of you worried about bulking up…

“I don’t want to look big and bulky either. It’s just training and I mean I don’t think I look big and bulky. I’m not a body builder, I’m a weight lifter,” said Davis.

So maybe weightlifting is a sport for you if you’re looking for a change in your fitness routine or are just looking to start one.