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U.S. Powerlifters Make Final Push for Rankings Points at American Open Championships
Mary Stack sets new American record
By Marvin Olberding
// U.S. Paralympics
// December 4, 2007
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Mary Stack set a new American record in the women's 82.5+ kg class with a lift of 118 kg.
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Three U.S. powerlifters turned in strong efforts Saturday at the 2007 American Open IPC Championships, held in conjunction with the 2007 American Open Weighlifting Championships in Birmingham, Ala. The event served as the final opportunity for the U.S. athletes to earn points toward their world rankings before the list of 2008 Paralympic Games competitors is announced on March 24.
Leading the way was two-time Paralympian Mary Stack (Ann Arbor, Mich.), who set a new American record in the women's 82.5+ kg class with a lift of 118 kg. Meanwhile, Rohan Murphy (men's 56kg, University Park, Pa.) and Anderson Wise (men's 67.5 kg, Needham Mass.) also had excellent lifts of 140 and 153 kg, respectively. All three entered the event ranked in the top-10 in the world in their respective weight classes.
U.S. Paralympics Powerlifting head coach Mary Hodge said she was very happy about all three performances, and she is optimistic that their efforts will result in three tickets to Beijing.
"I feel confident that Mary is well on her way, and I think Andy and Rohan have really good chances," Hodge said. "I think they're all increasing steadily, and I hope that they will all be selected to compete at the Paralympic Games."
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