A FLAGSTONE athlete with only two years of experience in weightlifting will represent Australia for the first time this weekend.
Paige Neal, 43, will compete at the Master Championships for Olympic Weightlifting on Sunday, June 16, in the women's 64 kg 40-44 year age group.
She was first introduced to Weightlifting after starting CrossFit training several years ago.
The local small business owner will be up against professional weightlifters from New Zealand, India and other commonwealth and Pacific region countries.
Neal represented Queensland and placed third at a national competition in Darwin held in March this year.
She achieved a personal best lift of 59 kg in snatch and 75 kg in clean and jerk.
In the lead up to her first international championship, Neal told the Jimboomba Times she felt humbled to compete for Australia.
"My attitude is that I'm not competing against others but against myself," she said.
"I want to do better than what I have done previously. If that puts me on the podium that is a bonus.
"I'm thrilled and happy to have reached this point now where i will be having more experience on the international stage. That will encourage me to to look at those competitions next year."
Neal trains at the Jimboomba Barbell Club, where she has completed a series of intensive programs, most recently a 13 week regime tailored to help her achieve the best results in the upcoming championship.
Coach Greg Oliver said Paige was capable of achieving any task she put her mind to.
"I have every faith she will land a podium spot this weekend," he said.
"She is peaking well for the competition and she is in the right head space and determined to achieve her goals and hopefully set a few records."
The Master Championships for Olympic Weightlifting will be the most significant event Neal will compete in this year.