Jacksonville Weightlifting Shines on the National and World Stage

The 2025 Olympic weightlifting season ended on a major success for Jacksonville Weightlifting as 16 athletes stepped onto some of the biggest stages in the sport: the 2025 Virus American Open Finals and the 2025 United Masters Weightlifting World Championships. Competing at these elite events is no small feat, and every lifter who represented Jacksonville Strength did so with determination, grit, and commitment to excellence.

The 2025 Virus American Open Finals bring together the top weightlifters from across the country—athletes who have earned their spot through months and years of training and qualification totals. Likewise, the 2025 United Masters Weightlifting World Championships showcases the best Masters lifters (ages 30+) from around the world, celebrating longevity, resilience, and peak performance at every stage of life. For Jacksonville Weightlifting to be represented at both competitions speaks volumes about the program's depth, culture, and coaching.

Each of the 16 athletes arrived prepared—not just physically, but mentally. The pressure of lifting on a national or world stage is unlike anything else. Bright lights, international judging panels, packed warm-up rooms, and fierce competition test even the most seasoned lifters. Yet Jacksonville athletes demonstrated composure, focus, and professionalism, embodying the club's values in every attempt.

Behind every successful lift were countless early mornings, late nights, and incremental improvements made day after day in the gym. These athletes balanced training with school, careers, families, and personal responsibilities, proving that excellence in weightlifting is built on consistency and perseverance. Whether it was hitting a personal best, executing a well-earned total, or simply stepping onto the platform among the best in the sport, each lifter achieved something meaningful.

A special congratulations to our gold medalists: Annalee Seek, Ella Bays, and Sebastian Stodel, as well as silver medalist Kimmiann Porter. In addition to the medals won, a number of athletes set lifetime and meet personal bests, increasing their totals and advancing in competition rankings.

What made these performances especially powerful was the team's sense of unity. It was great to have a number of teammates who were not competing join us in Daytona to cheer each other on, celebrate the highs, and offer encouragement through the misses. Coaches Chad and Jennifer, joined by Trevor, worked tirelessly to ensure athletes were confident, well-prepared, and supported throughout competition weekends. That shared effort is what transforms individual performances into a collective success.

Competing at the American Open Finals and the United Masters World Championships isn’t just about medals or rankings—it’s about growth. It’s about measuring progress, gaining experience, and returning home more motivated than ever. We are incredibly proud of all

Jacksonville Weightlifting competitors who represented the club with strength, integrity, and heart. Their performances reflect not only their individual dedication but also the supportive, high-standard environment that defines Jacksonville Weightlifting.

Congratulations to every athlete who qualified, competed, and carried the Jacksonville name onto the national and world stage!