Topic: News: Caleb Ward focused on 2012 Olympics

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

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Caleb Ward focused on 2012 Olympics
By Cindy Kahler Thomas

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Photo by Jason Palmer

Remember the name Caleb Ward for the 2012 Olympics - it's a goal he's working hard for.

Caleb is 17 years old and attends Rider High School, but he's already a top-ranked weightlifter.

"I have basically given up a normal kids' life, so I can train and move on to the Olympics," he said, "I think it is totally worth it."

Caleb trains five days a week and has put in countless hours refining his technique and lifting extreme amounts of weight. He started when he was 12 years old.

He does two lifts. The snatch is a one motion lift from the floor to straight over his head. The clean and jerk is a two motion lift. The first motion is from the floor to the shoulders, and the second is from the shoulders to over the head. He competes in the 17 and under category.

"It was apparent from the start that he was going to be one of our better lifters," his coach, Glen Pendelay, said, "He is tremendously athletic and strong."

Pendelay said Caleb can lift 375 pounds, although the heaviest weight he has lifted in competition is 359 pounds. Lifting that kind of weight has been making waves in the weightlifting community.

Pendelay said Caleb has broken five national records this spring and summer.

"I think it is important for people to know that this isn't a high school-state thing. Kids from all over the country compete," Caleb said. "To compete in nationals, you really have to work hard for it."

Caleb was also one of 12 weightlifters in his age group in the nation to be asked to attend the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. He called it a developmental camp designed to encourage the gifted athlete to continue in his training toward the ultimate goal - the Olympics.

"I watched my first Olympics in 1996, and have always wanted to be a part of it," he said.

Pendelay said it takes a special kind of person to compete nationally and internationally. It takes a person who is focused and centered.

"He is one of the most focused lifters we have," Pendelay said.

He also said that it takes more than just physical ability. It also takes someone who can handle the mental pressure.

"It is rare to find someone with both of these qualities."

You also have to be a perfectionist.

"This is a sport of perfection. To lift the most weight, your technique has to be so perfect. You have to also have the patience to be willing to do the same thing every day to get it perfect. Caleb has that," Pendelay said.

Caleb has been asked to compete in Canada in November. He'll compete in the 20 and under class, so his opponents will be older. He said he's looking forward to that competition.