Melanie Clarke only Maritime female in national weightlifting event
'It's about skill and power and agility and a lot of grace'
A Halifax woman is pumped for national weightlifting championships this weekend in Mississauga, Ontario.
Melanie Clarke is one of two weightlifters from the Maritimes competing in the event.
On Sunday, she takes part in the 58-kilogram weight class for women, the only woman from the Maritime provinces in the event.
This is her third competition since she picked up the sport two years ago.
"When you really break it down, it's about more than just picking up weight and putting it down. It's about skill and power and agility and a lot of grace," said Clarke, who is also a coach at Blended Athletics in Dartmouth.
Clarke has also started Mel's Belles, a women-only weight lifting club to promote the sport.
Dave Rafuse, owner of Blended Athletics, says more people are taking on the sport and not just to improve their athletic ability.
"Fitness is gaining a lot of interest within the public. Individuals are looking for preventative health."
While Clarke doesn't expect to quality for the next Olympics, there are other competitions on her radar including international events.