Preliminary Schedule for USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals...

Preliminary Schedule for USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals...

This is the preliminary schedule for Junior Nationals. While the schedule rarely changes, we will keep everyone updated if any adjustments are made.

Tim is excited to once again represent Athletic Lab Weightlifting and Carolinas WSO at this meet. Last year, he narrowly missed earning a medal due to a judging error that unfortunately could not be reversed, even after it was acknowledged. While that was disappointing, it became part of the learning process and motivation moving forward.

This year, Tim's focus is different. Since this is his first year competing in a new division, the emphasis is less about medals and more about growth, progress, and personal records. In Olympic weightlifting, gains matter. Every extra kilo on the bar represents hours of discipline, sacrifice, and determination behind the scenes.

One of the greatest joys as parents is having a front row seat to our son’s journey in this sport. Watching him pursue something he truly loves these past almost four years now has been incredibly rewarding. The confidence, discipline, and happiness this sport has brought into his life means far more than any medal ever could, and we couldn’t be more proud of everything he has accomplished so far.

Olympic weightlifting is very different from the sport Tim previously competed in because the results are straightforward—you either make the lift or you don’t. The numbers speak for themselves. While judging is still part of the sport, controversial calls are far less common. There’s a level of clarity and fairness in weightlifting that we deeply appreciate.

What stands out most, though, is the community surrounding this sport. Olympic weightlifting is filled with people who genuinely want to see one another succeed. When a lifter misses an attempt, you can feel the disappointment throughout the entire venue—not just from their own family, friends, or teammates. And when someone has a rough day, the community rallies around them with encouragement and support.

Tim is truly thriving in Olympic weightlifting, and it has been amazing to watch him grow not only as an athlete, but also as a young man through this journey.

No matter what happens at Junior Nationals this year, we already consider this journey a success. Medals, records, and rankings are wonderful accomplishments, but they are not what define Tim. What matters most is the character being built through the process—the discipline to keep showing up, the perseverance to push through setbacks, and the humility to continue learning and growing.

We are beyond thankful for the coaches, teammates, friends, and family members who continue to support and encourage him along the way. Every competition is another opportunity to learn, improve, and become stronger both mentally and physically.

As Tim steps onto the platform this year, our prayer is simple: that he lifts with confidence, enjoys every moment, stays healthy, and walks away proud of the work he has put in. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for him in this sport, and we are grateful to be cheering him on every step of the way.

Keep Doing Your Best...

This message cuts deeper than simple motivation—it speaks to the reality of what high-level performance actually demands.

At the top, external validation is inconsistent at best. Crowds cheer when you win, go silent when you don’t, and critics are always waiting. If your drive depends on praise, you’ll burn out or break down the moment it disappears. The best athletes learn early: you cannot outsource your belief.

“Keep doing your best every day” isn’t about perfection—it’s about discipline. Some days your “best” is a personal record. Other days it’s just showing up when your body is tired, your mind is off, or life is heavy. What separates elite athletes is that they show up anyway. Consistency beats intensity over time. This is Tim—all day long. 

“And if no one is proud of you…”—that’s real. As Tim's parents we see it all—the highs and the lows and everything in between—and we are proud of him. What the phrase "if no one is proud you" is getting at is the outside world because—let's face it—there are long stretches where no one sees the sacrifices, the missed events, the quiet grind. Progress at the highest level is often invisible before it’s undeniable. If you need recognition during those seasons, you’ll lose momentum. 

So, “Be proud of yourself.” That’s the anchor! Not arrogance, but earned confidence. It comes from knowing you honored your standard when no one was watching. You stuck to the process. You didn’t cut corners. You kept going when it would’ve been easier to quit.

Tim has learned to be proud of himself. It's anchored him because he knows he's honored his standard when no one is watching. He's stuck to the process. He hasn't cut corners. He keeps going when it would be easier to just quit. 

Elite athletes don’t just train their bodies—they train their mindset to be self-sustaining. Because when the spotlight fades, when the noise dies down, and when it’s just you and the work…

That’s where greatness is actually built.

So Many Thoughts...

So many thoughts have been running through my mind as I think about Tim turning 18 in just a month—and then graduating high school only five days later. It all feels a bit surreal. Some days it seems like just yesterday he was a baby in my arms. Oh, how I miss those days.

As a baby and toddler, he was such a character—full of energy and life. He went from crawling, to wobbling on his feet, to taking a few steps… and then he was off and running. From that moment on, he was everywhere and into everything—like a curious little explorer. We had to stay on our toes to keep him safe as he discovered the world around him. Somehow, even when he managed to slip away and take a few “express routes” down the stairs, he always came out without a scratch. Crazy, right?

As kindergarten approached, we knew traditional school might not be the best fit for him. With all that energy, we worried he’d be labeled instead of understood. We wanted to nurture his curiosity, not stifle it—so we chose to homeschool. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. He has absolutely thrived. He’s become an independent, hands-on learner who isn’t afraid to figure things out on his own. Honestly, he can do things on a computer that I can only dream of…LOL!!

In fourth grade though, Tim faced a significant medical setback that required him to repeat the year. When he reached high school, he was determined to graduate on time, so he took on an intense academic workload to make it happen. In 10th grade, he completed both his 10th-grade studies and half of his 11th-grade coursework. Then, during his senior year, this school year, he's finished the remaining 11th-grade work while also completing all of his senior requirements. We knew he could do it and in just 28 days or so he will have it all done.

Of course, we also knew he needed a strong outlet for all his energy. He began TaeKwonDo at just 4 years old and continued until he was 15. During that time, he earned his 3rd Dan black belt, along with countless medals and trophies. More importantly, he developed discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. He has dreams of competing on the world stage, but ultimately he realized that path would not come through TaeKwondo.

In 2023, he found Olympic weightlifting—and it was like everything clicked into place. This is where he belongs. His build, his mindset, his drive—it all fits. And all those years in TaeKwonDo? They weren’t wasted at all. They laid the foundation for the success he’s experiencing now.

It feels like everything is moving in fast forward as he steps into becoming his own man. Turning 18 is a huge milestone, and graduating high school just days later makes it even more significant. I’m so excited for what lies ahead for him, because I truly believe it’s going to be something special. He has a determination that can’t be taught—a fire to chase his dreams with everything he has. I have no doubt he’ll stand on that world stage one day, representing our country—or give everything in him trying. And through it all, he knows he has our unwavering support.

His dad and I are so grateful to have a front-row seat to this journey. Our greatest dream is simply to watch him achieve his own.

In just 31 days, he’ll turn 18. In 36 days, he’ll be finished with high school. With each passing day, the excitement builds as we get closer to these incredible milestones.

We are so incredibly proud of you - Tim! We love you to the moon and beyond! 

Thank You, God, for the gift of Tim. These nearly 18 years with him have been such an incredible journey. We’re so grateful for every moment and look ahead with excitement as we watch him continue to grow into the man he’s becoming. This next chapter may look different, but it’s one we welcome with full hearts and great anticipation.

Luxiaojun Power Pro - The Horse Edition - Weightlifting Shoe...

Just ordered Tim these shoes yesterday! They only made 600 pairs of these limited-edition shoes, so they’re extra special. I can’t wait for them to arrive so Tim can finally wear them. He’s so excited to be getting them! Luxiaojun weightlifting shoes have become his absolute favorite go to shoe for weightlifting. He’s tried several different brands, but these are by far the ones he loves most.

From This, To This, To This....

Tim has been an elite athlete since the age of 8. From then until he was 15, his whole world revolved around Taekwondo sparring. He was a fighter—and a very good one. But what made it difficult for him to truly excel in that sport was his height. In Taekwondo sparring, height creates a major advantage because the sport is so leg-dominant. Taller athletes naturally have more reach, allowing them to strike from distances their opponents often can’t match. Add talent to that physical advantage, and it becomes an incredibly powerful combination.

Tim absolutely had the talent—there was never any doubt about that. The challenge was consistently facing opponents who were taller and had that reach advantage. No matter how hard he worked, it limited how far he could go in the sport. So, he made the decision to switch paths.

That decision changed everything.

When Tim discovered Olympic-style weightlifting, he truly found his calling. For so long, he believed Taekwondo sparring was where he was meant to be, but stepping into weightlifting revealed something even greater. In this sport, he has grown by leaps and bounds and found success right out of the gate—success on a level that simply wasn’t possible for him in Taekwondo.

I’ve often said since he switched sports that I wish I could get back the thousands upon thousands of dollars we spent on sparring. But the truth is, that journey laid the foundation for the success he’s having now in weightlifting. I don’t think Tim—or even we as his parents—fully realize just how much his years in sparring prepared him for this moment. The discipline, explosiveness, body control, mental toughness, and athletic foundation he developed all helped shape the athlete he is today.

Now, in just a little over a month, Tim will turn 18, and five days later he’ll graduate high school. He’ll continue pursuing his weightlifting dreams while also working alongside his dad in the family business.

Through it all, Tim has always carried the same dream in his heart: to represent our country on the world stage—at Worlds and the Olympics. The path to that dream may have changed, but the dream itself has not. His goals are still alive, stronger than ever, and he is relentlessly driven toward them.

We are beyond proud of everything this young man is accomplishing.

God has an incredible plan for Tim’s life, and we have the blessing of a front-row seat to watch it unfold. What a joy and privilege that is for us as his parents.

Team Gear...

We just placed Tim’s first Team Gear order—$241 total for 3 t-shirts (because…Tim 😄), a pair of pants, and a hoodie. His coach wants the team to show up to meets looking unified, like a true team, and we love that.

Even with these added costs, we’re still spending far less in this sport than we ever did in the other one. If only we could get back the thousands upon thousands we poured into that—just imagine what we could do with it now!

Here's what the mock ups look like:

 

Training Philosophy...

The Coach of Vero Beach Weightlifting’s Training Philosophy:

My programming philosophy is built around maximizing performance on the platform through structured, sustainable training.

I prioritize quality over quantity, using a 4-day training model that allows athletes to train hard, recover properly, and consistently progress without relying on excessive volume or frequency.

All programming is driven by measurable variables such as total lifts and average intensity, with volume gradually decreasing as intensity increases toward competition.

I take a phased approach to training - building strength, developing power, and tapering into competition-specific performance.

Rather than relying strictly on percentages, athletes work up to heavy efforts within movements to establish daily limits.

The goal is simple: consistent progress, healthy athletes, and results that show up on the platform - not just in training.

SQUAT DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

Squats are programmed multiple times per week, with each exposure serving a specific purpose.

Early in the week is the primary strength day, using varied rep ranges and variations to build force output.

Later in the week focuses on speed, posture, and barbell efficiency to improve movement quality.

A third exposure may be used to offset volume or increase intensity depending on the phase.

THE SQUAT DICTATES THE TOTAL

The lifts rise and fall with it, based on the ratios we've identified.

Build the squat, and you raise the ceiling.

Neglect it, and everything stalls.

PROGRAMMING STRUCTURE

• 4 training days per week
• Strength → Power → Peak progression
• Movement-based progression (hang → block → full lifts)
• Auto-regulated top sets
• Wave loading across week, block, and year

3-BLOCK TRAINING CYCLE

Early Block (Strength/Power Base)

• Mon/Tue: ~60~70% variations, positional work, controlled volume.
• Thurs/Sat: Work to heavy triples (power/variations), ~90% intent to puh PRs

Mid Block (Power Development)

• Mon/Tue: ~75~80%, emphasis on power variations, speed, and consistency
• Thurs/Sat: Work up to heavy power efforts followed by full lifts to transfer power into complete movement execution

Competition Phase (Peaking)

• Mon/Tue: ~80~85%, low volume, high precision
• Thurs/Sat: Heavy singles and doubles in full lifts, focus on execution and readiness.
  Key Principle: If it doesn't transfer to the platform, it doesn't belong in the program.

RESULTS

• 54 Team USA Selections
• 300+ National Medals
• 33 International Medals
• Multiple American Records
  

          

Built. Not recruited.

ALWC March Madness Meet 2026...

Tim will be competing in the ALWC March Madness Meet this Saturday. He is looking forward to participating again this year.  It's taking place at the gym that he trains in.  It's always so much fun for us to watch him. If they livestream the event we will post the link on our social media pages.

This is the full schedule of all the athletes that are competing. I will do a separate blog with Tim's results after the Meet.  

Athletic Accomplishments...

✨ For years, many of us have been led to believe that if you don’t win gold, you’re just the “first or second loser.” But that kind of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth.

When our kids step onto the platform and compete at an elite level, they’ve already accomplished something extraordinary. Earning a medal—whether it’s gold, silver, or bronze—is a remarkable achievement and something they, and we as parents, should always be proud of. 

Our athletes should never feel less than simply because the medal isn’t gold. A silver & bronze medal means they stood among the very best. It means they fought their way onto the podium. And at the end of the day, they walk away with a medal while many others leave empty-handed.

But even more important than the medal itself is the journey. Every competition, every improvement, every gain builds character and shapes who they will become in life. Strength isn’t just measured in numbers on a bar—it’s measured in dedication, perseverance, and the courage to keep pushing forward💪.

So celebrate every accomplishment. Be proud of every step forward. Because showing up, competing, and continuing to grow is something truly worth honoring—every single time!  ✨

Tim's Weightlifting Goals...

Tim's weightlifting goals:

He wants to get to these goals as quickly as possible and improve on them so that he's at the top of his division by the time he's a last year Junior. These numbers will probably adjust come August though when the weight divisions adjust to the New Weight Divisions. -71kg will become -70kg and -79kg will become -75kg. Tim will land in one of these two weight divisions. I don't think -70kg is an olympic/world weight division though??? He may have to go up to -75kg or down to -65kg weight divisions in order to be in an olympic/world weight division??? I'm still learning that side of the sport as he grows in it so I'm not 100% sure on where he will need to be in order to be able to contend for a World's spot yet. 

It's challenging learning a new sport after doing the other one for so many years. I know the sport he came from really well and where Tim needs to be to be a contender but with this sport I'm a fish out of water so to speak. We just keep making gains and learning as we go. We just love that he loves this sport so much. 

Here’s to shooting for the moon as Tim chases his goals of becoming the best lifter that he can be — earning a Team USA spot, competing at Worlds, and one day stepping onto the Olympic stage. The journey is just beginning💪🏋.

GOALS! GOALS! GOALS!

Pro Pics from VWS1/The Arnold 2026...

I'm only going to share a few of the pro pictures with you here.  There are too many to share them all.

The first two are what the coach shared on social media when he was sharing the teams schedule for lifting.

This happened March 5th - 8th.

These next ones are the actual pro shots that I want to share with you.  It's only a few from his best Snatch lift & Clean & Jerk lift:

This is Tim before he stands up with the lift.

My absolute favorite shot!  This is his 101kg Snatch PR lift.

That's how high the bar bounced after he got the down signal.
He knew that he got the lift and was just waiting for the judges decision.

                                                                                                              

UPDATE: (3/18/2026)

Tim's 123kg PR C&J lift in the Clean position.

Tim standing up with his 123kg C&J PR lift after his jerk.

The moment Tim knew he had went 6 for 6 (got all 6 of his lifts) & PR’d at The Arnold.  Such a great shot from the photographer @liftinglife (instagram).

                                                                       

Such a fun time at this Meet.  Watching Tim do his lifts and his excitement over being there just blesses us so very much.  We are so proud of him.

Virus Weightlifting Series 1 - The Arnold - 2026!

What a great experience The Arnold was for Tim again this year. He is a first year USA Weightlifting Junior Weightlifter this year. He was able to bring home 3 Bronze Medals. He also did Pr's (personal records) across the board. He went 6 for 6 with all white lights.

Here are his results:

    

   Snatch 94kg/97kg/101kg(PR)

   + Clean & Jerk 114kg/119kg/123kg(PR)

   Total = 224kg(PR)

Here are some pictures:

His 101kg/222# Snatch PR

His celebration after PR'ing.

A close up of the medals.

Tim's 6 for 6 Bracelet - for making all his lifts.  That's two in a row now.

Here are some videos taken by HookGripUSA of his lifts (We are missing the first one because someone got in the way of the video):

This one is of his 97kg Snatch.

This one is of his 101kg Snatch PR.

This one is of his 114kg Clean & Jerk.

This one is of his 119kg Clean & Jerk.

This one is of his 123kg Clean & Jerk PR.

The Arnold is such a fun event to attend. We have loved both experiences so far. Medal or no medal we have such a great time as a family getting to see The Arnold Expo. There's so much to see and stuff to buy there. 

We love how much Tim loves this sport. The change to it has been the best change ever. We are having such a great time supporting our son as he continues to compete at an elite level just as he did in his previous sport. His medal collection in this sport is growing quickly (see pic below). 

Let me leave you with this:

Life would be boring without the privilege of sharing Tim's athletic journey. Watching him chase greatness has become our family's journey, and we wouldn't trade it for the world. Behind every elite athlete is a family cheering louder than any crowd ever could. We are privileged to be watching Tim build his legacy. Tim shows us every single day to: DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, and STAY HUMBLE. While the medals are special, Tim's work ethic and discipline are what make us the proudest.

May you all be able to say this about your children! May they feel your support every single day! Most of all may they feel loved!