February 2014

Redding California Weightlifter Hailee Lollar

Sometimes life can take us on unexpected journeys. Those who are open to trying new things are often the most successful at seizing opportunities when they present themselves. That’s exactly what happened to Olympic hopeful and Redding resident, Hailee Lollar back in 2009 when she left competitive gymnastics after eight years, and opted to try her hand at CrossFit, an intense exercise program featuring dynamic exercises like plyometric jumps, while using non-traditional weightlifting equipment such as kettlebells, sand-bags, suspension systems or water-filled implements. It did not take long for Redding Barbell and CrossFit Club owner Bryan Schenone to see Hailee’s natural talent for strength and lifting and in 2011 encouraged her to begin adding Olympic lifting to her workouts.

It was at Schenone’s suggestion that she entered her first weight lifting competition (after only one month of training). To everyone’s surprise, then 16-year-old Hailee qualified for the Youth National Championships. Hailee skipped Youth Nationals that year, but traveled to Junior Nationals six months later and took second place in the female under 21, 53.1-58.1 kilo weight class. Hailee’s lifts are the “Snatch” and “Clean and Jerk”.