When most high school seniors are searching for colleges, proximity to an elite weightlifting training facility is not a main concern.

Northwestern freshman Natalie Friend’s father gave her only two options: train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., or go to NU and train with fitness guru Mike Gattone. Since making the decision, Friend has excelled as a weightlifter and student.

Friend won the USA Weightlifting National Junior Championships in Chattanooga, Tenn., on February 9. She lifted 80 kilograms in the snatch, and 102 kgs in the clean and jerk. She was named the competition’s “Best Lifter” due to her total of 182 kgs.

In the snatch, Friend does an explosive move where she lifts the bar from the floor to over her head in less than one second. An 80 kg snatch translates to lifting 176 pounds, or slightly less than NU star running back Tyrell Sutton. Full article