Girls Weightlifting Builds Muscle and Confidence

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Madeline Gapko, a senior high school weightlifter from Seminole Ridge, lifted nearly 2 1/2 times her body weight at the FHSAA state meet to place eighth overall in the 101-pound division.

March 19, 2009

Madeline Gapko said weightlifting has made her a better person.

The Seminole Ridge senior weightlifter lifted nearly 2 1/2 times her body weight at the FHSAA state meet to place eighth overall in the 101-pound division. Her 225-pound lift was just five pounds from earning a medal.

"I didn't get a medal, so that was kind of disappointing, but it was my third time going to state, so I am not completely heartbroken by it," said Gapko, who was selected as the Sun Sentinel's Girls' Weightlifter of the Year.

At the state meet, she recorded her highest bench press total at 125 pounds.

"I have to say it was my best moment in lifting ever," Gapko said.

She said she would miss the team, her coaches and the sport as she moves on to a new chapter in her life.

Gapko, who was on the team for four years, nearly didn't reach the state tournament. Two days before the state-qualifying sectional tournament, Gapko weighed 105 pounds and had to drop four pounds. She seriously thought about quitting.

"I have friends who have gotten so far and at the very end, they quit and they still regret it," Gapko said. "So I didn't want to be one of those people. I am really happy that I did cut the weight."

Seminole Ridge coach Ben Kenerson said Gapko brought leadership to the team.

"I will miss her more than anybody else on my weightlifting teams," Kenerson said. "She is very special girl."

Gapko said weightlifting helped her mature.

"Lifting has kept me out of trouble. It has given me a reason to really go to school because at one point I didn't want to go [to school] and lifting to me was so much fun and a stress reliever. It is my favorite thing to do."