[Press Release] : media advisory

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Tammy Miller, Public Information Specialist - (573) 874-7465

Media advisory 

COLUMBIA, MO (July 19, 2005) -- A Columbia teenager new to the sport of
weightlifting has qualified for the 2005 AAU Junior Olympic Games, which
will take place on July 30 in New Orleans. 

Natalie Stepney, 15, will compete in the girls 14-16 year old category
(75 plus kilo weight class). This is Natalie's third competition and
the first time she has competed at the national level. 

Natalie has only been lifting for about four months in the newly
developed Columbia Weightlifting Club located at the Activity &
Recreation Center (ARC). She qualified for the Junior Olympic Games last
month in Onaga, Kansas where she won her weight class and best lifter
honors for her age division. 

Natalie's coach, Brian Higginbotham, ARC fitness specialist, says he
has been amazed by Natalie's talent. 

"I have developed and trained many lifters, but nobody has had the
potential she possesses," Higginbotham said. "I honestly see her as
a junior national champion and a junior world team member in the next
few years. She just turned 15 years old, which leads me to believe she
could develop into an Olympian if she has the desire to stick with the
sport."

- 30 -
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