TeamTrax Weightlifting takes top honors at 2007 Junior Olympic Games

Jeff Wittmer

TeamTrax Weightlifting/Greater Springfield Community Olympic Development program took home four championships, four second-place finishes, two third places and one “best lifter” award in the sport of weightlifting at the American Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games July 25-Aug. 4, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Coach Scott Johnson was named AAU Coach of the Year.

“Weightlifting is a great sport because it’s both an individual and a team sport. Everyone is in their own weight class and age group and it’s easy to become successful quickly,” Johnson says.

Kailee Porter, a Nixa High School senior, has been a TeamTrax member for three years and says she’s enjoyed traveling to weightlifting competitions in 10 states, Ecuador and Canada, and becoming friends with other team members.

Michelle Harris

“I came to St. John’s HealthTracks after I’d developed shin splints from cross-country running, and ended up becoming interested in the weightlifting program,” she says. “It was different and a new challenge – and one that I’ll definitely stick with.”

TeamTrax formed in 1999 and trains at St. John’s HealthTracks Sports Training Center.
In addition to being a USA Weightlifting affiliate, TeamTrax became an official Olympic training program when Springfield was named a Community Olympic Development Program (CODP) site in December 2003.

Those interested in joining TeamTrax may contact Johnson at 417-820-5015. A $20 membership in the CODP is the only requirement.