Athlete of the Week: Riley Bohan

Lakewood Ranch High sophomore Riley Bohan won three silver medals at the U15 Pan American Championships Aug. 15 through Aug. 19, in Shreveport, La.

The 15-year-old, who won three of the United States’ nine total medals, finished second in both the clean and jerk and snatch. She also finished second in the overall weight total.

Bohan began weightlifting eight months ago and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Today, she trains six days week with varying intermediate rest days.

"It was awesome. It meant a lot more than a normal meet. You got to wear the Team USA uniform and represent your country. It was about the country medaling as opposed to medaling as an individual. It’s a different mindset.

I was surprised I got three silver medals. I knew based on my numbers that I was going to get a medal, but I was expecting bronze. Silver was a good surprise.

I’m most proud of my total overall weight medal, because the best lifter is going to win the gold in the total weight.

I started weightlifting after I got pushed into the high school weightlifting team. My teammates from gymnastics said I should do it because it would benefit my gymnastics.

I like the sport of weightlifting and the people in it. I wouldn’t do it if the people weren’t good.

By December, I hope to break the American record for all three (lifts). I tied the snatch record of 62 kilograms.I like the snatch the best because I’m better at it right now. In competitive gymnastics, it’s like the balance beam. You’re either good at it or you’re not. You really have to be aware of where everything is. I’m good at that part."