

The United States Olympic Education Center and USA Weightlifting established the program at Northern Michigan University in 2003. The program began with eight athletes and has grown to over 20 residents today.
The resident team has been successful in producing University, junior and senior team members and champions at the national and international level.
In 2012, Sarah Robles (pictured left) became the first weightlifting athlete with ties to the USOEC to participate in an Olympic Games. Robles placed seventh in the 75+ kilogram weight class.
Emmy Vargas became the programs first University World medalist in 2004 by earning a silver medal. Four more resident athletes would follow her winning silver and bronze medals.
In 2010 the USOEC hosted the National Collegiate Championships in NMU’s Berry Events Center.
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| 2010 National University Championships at NMU's Berry Event Center |