THE NMI’s Leowell Cristobal finished first in the clean & jerk and total weight of the USA Weightlifting Under 25 National Championships on June 27 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Cristobal did not have the best start. In the snatch portion, he lifted 95kg to place fourth but picked it up a notch in the clean & jerk with a weight of 132kg for a combined weight of 227kg to place first in total weight.
It was not Cristobal’s best performance. At the Crestview Bar Slam 2023 in Florida he recorded a snatch of 100kg, a clean & jerk of 140kg, and a total weight of 240kg.
“It’s a good feeling to know that all the work I’ve put in has been paying off and I’m excited to see further improvements,” said Cristobal, who graduated from Marianas High School in 2018 and is a Class of 2022 member of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
“Competing in a big meet like nationals can be nerve wracking, but I try to focus on one lift at a time. I didn’t do great at the snatch portion, so my coaches and I focused on making sure I hit my clean and jerks to win,” he said.
He added that the competition itself was fun and was a great learning experience.
Cristobal has greatly improved in terms of strength and consistency.
In the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022/Oceania Senior Championships, he placed fourth overall with a snatch of 90kg and clean & jerk of 125kg for a total weight of 215kg.
In the 2022 USA Weightlifting Under 25 National Championships, he placed second with a snatch of 95kg, clean & jerk of 126kg for a total weight of 221kg.
In October 2022, at the Buccaneer Barbell Bash, he placed first with a snatch of 96kg, clean & jerk of 127kg, and total weight of 223kg.
In the Miami Classic, he topped his weight class with a snatch of 102kg, clean & jerk of 134kg, for a total weight of 236kg.
His best performance so far was at the Crestview Bar Slam 2023 in Florida.
“My biggest advice to other young athletes is to be consistent, seek guidance, learn from setbacks, believe in yourself, and enjoying the process.” Cristobal said. “Also, I would like to greet my brother, Leonardo Cristobal Jr. a happy advanced birthday!”
Leowell Cristobal, center, poses with the second and third finishers in the USA Weightlifting Under 25 National Championships on June 27 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
