Elle Bays and Sebastian Stodel Shine at 2025 Pan American Youth Championships

Jacksonville Weightlifting is proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Elle Bays and Sebastian Stodel, who delivered standout performances at the 2025 Pan American Youth Championships in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Elle earned U17 total gold, contributing to Team USA’s historic 61-medal haul—the most earned at a single event since 2017, and hit the "A" standard in her category. Sebastian not only secured U17 total gold, but also set a new 65 kg U17 national clean & jerk record with an impressive 135 kg lift. Their achievements placed them among the top young lifters in the Western Hemisphere and helped propel Team USA to four team trophies and one of its strongest international showings in years.

This year’s Championships also saw 11 national records fall and multiple athletes hit or exceed USAW’s demanding A Standards, underscoring the depth of talent in American youth weightlifting. Elle and Sebastian’s success reflects the commitment, discipline, and high-caliber training that define Jacksonville Weightlifting, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments on the international stage.

Congratulations Elle and Sebastian!