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Podcast

4 Years from Weightlifting Newb to American Record Contender (w/Mary Theisen-Lappen)

Written by David Tao
Last updated on August 10th, 2023

Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify

Today I’m catching up with American weightlifter Mary Theisen-Lappen. A former collegiate thrower (track & field), Mary found weightlifting about four years ago through a USA Weightlifting recruitment program. Since then, she’s made astounding progress in the sport and is now one of the top lifters in the country. She’s also a Pan American Champion breathing down the neck of the American women’s record clean & jerk. We talk about her rapid progress in the sport, “thrower cleans,” and why Mary thinks it pays to be frank about your goals in the sport — even if they’re lofty.

Mary Theisen-Lappen on the BarBend Podcast

In this episode of the BarBend Podcast, host David Thomas Tao talks to Mary Theisen-Lappen about:

  • Mary began competitive weightlifting EXACTLY four years ago (1:30)
  • Lifting every day as a collegiate thrower (4:10)
  • Mary’s competition lift progression over the past four years (7:30)
  • Was there a moment when Mary realized she could be elite in weightlifting? (11:30)
  • Her path to becoming Pan American Champion (13:50)
  • “It’s fairly obvious that we all want to be Olympians” (15:50)
  • 400 pound rack jerks (17:20)
  • Goals in the next few years (19:10)

Relevant links and further reading:

  • Follow Mary on Instagram
  • Follow David Thomas Tao on Instagram and Twitter

About David Tao

BarBend's Co-Founder and CEO, David is a veteran of the health & fitness industry, with nearly a decade of experience building and running editorial teams in the space. He also serves as a color commentator for both National and International weightlifting competitions, many through USA Weightlifting.

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BarBend

BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.

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