Jaden Andrew in action during the snatch portion of the qualifier competition hosted by CNMI Weightlifting in January.
Aiden Gimed stands strong after completing the snatch during the qualifier competition hosted by CNMI Weightlifting in January.
BACK in the day, weightlifting was not recommended for kids.
Today, however, Jaden Andrew, 13, and Aiden Gimed, 12, are among the rising stars of local weightlifting. They have recently competed in two events that served as qualifiers for a spot on the CNMI national weightlifting team. In addition, they are training under the guidance of HD Weightlifting CNMI Coach Angel San Nicolas with the full support of their parents.
Justin Andrew, Jaden’s father, said: “The first time I tried to get him to take some interest in weightlifting was when he was 10 years old. We sat together and looked at some videos. One time the CNMI Weightlifting Federation had a competition which he watched, and I could see a bit of interest in his face.”
Justin added, “Federation president John Davis had a bit of time to spend with him after that day of competition…. [John] pulled Jaden aside and get him through some forms and techniques.”
From then on, Justin said his son became more interested in weightlifting.
“I looked for someone who would train him and so I’m thankful for Coach Angel San Nicolas,” Justin said.
He said growing up on an island, “we did physical work, not in a sports sense, but by lifting sacks of copra, heavy baskets of taro, bundles of firewood. But I was also told to make sure not to lift more than possible.”
He said kids lifting at an early age should do so under the watchful eye of a coach like San Nicolas.
“The environment is more controlled than what it was when I was growing up. At the gym, they follow a strict program, and it progresses by increments so kids don’t get hurt. If you start early, you are going to harvest the result of your efforts in a much better way,” Justin said.
He is thankful for the opportunity given to Jaden by the CNMI Weightlifting Federation and HD Weightlifting CNMI led by Angel San Nicolas.
Recently, Jaden traveled to Guam and competed in the Olympic Weightlifting Championships where he placed first in the 55kg weight category with a combined weight of 144kg.
“It’s a good way to expose them to that kind of environment,” said Justin, who is also the president of the Northern Marianas Paddling Sports Federation.
“As a parent and as someone who has been coaching the youth for many years, I fully support it,” he added, referring to weightlifting.
Safety is a priority
Aiden Gimed’s mother, Cassandra Sumor, is a 2nd grade teacher at Koblerville Elementary School who knows the importance of prioritizing the safety of young kids.
“Every time someone asks me about my boy and what he’s been up to, that is the first thing I hear whenever they learn that he’s into weightlifting,” she said, referring to safety concerns.
“Aiden has a coach, and he undergoes proper training. Coach San Nicolas focuses on the kids and he makes sure they have the strength to lift heavier weights,” she added.
On Guam, Aiden Gimed topped the youth male 81kg category with a total weight of 135kg.
“I’m very proud of him for doing this and for considering weightlifting as part of his lifestyle,” his mother said.
She believes that her son needs more “exposure and experience” to become a better weightlifter.
“I can say that I’m not worried about anything because I really see that Coach San Nicolas’ main priority for the young athletes is their safety,” she said.
