TEEN LIFTER AIMING HIGH
Toowoomba athlete prepares for biggest competition of her career
TOOWOOMBA Tori’s Gallegos is not normally the nervous type.
The teen weightlifter has gone from strength to strength during her young career – facing and beating some of Australia’s top lifters.
Gallegos’ next competition however is a different level of competition and intensity.
In a few weeks time she will compete in the Singapore Weightlifting International Tournament and a good performance will go a long way to Gallegos potentially representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games.
Gallegos describes the competition as the biggest in her life and she is ready to put her best foot forward.
Opportunities don’t come any bigger than the one Tori Gallegos is chasing right now — after all it’s the “biggest competition” of her life.
Lining up in the women’s 59kg division the Toowoomba weightlifter is set to compete in the 2022 Singapore Weightlifting International Tournament in a few weeks time.
A good result in Singapore, provided she out lifts her Australian teammate, could help Gallegos secure a place in the Australian Commonwealth Games team.
“I’m actually very nervous – the stakes are very high,” Gallegos said.
“This is the biggest competition of my life.
“If I can finish top six in the Commonwealth and provided I beat my teammates it would go a long way to making the games team.”
Gallegos’ nerves stem from the fact she was sidelined last year – putting her training on hold after having her appendix removed.
Once given the all clear by doctors, the Toowoomba teen (pictured) resumed training but knows just how valuable strength is during the down time.
“There’s no off-season in weightlifting,” she said.
“You can pick and choose when you can compete, all year round. “Hard work pays off though. “It’s a strength sport so the more work you put in the better you get.”
Gallegos will be guided by fellow Toowoomba Weightlifting Club member Greg Hobl in Singapore.
The pair will also work together later this year in Crete, Greece at the World Junior Championships.
“My goal for these junior championships is to medal – it won’t be easy competing against the best in the world but that’s what I’m aiming for.”