Danny Camargo is back in action—competing as an athlete.

 

On the tails of his annual competition, the Alamonte Open, that he hosted this past weekend—Camargo also competed himself, and qualified as a Master’s Athlete for the upcoming 2015 World Championships in Finland this September.

 

Camargo is no stranger to the world of Olympic Weightlifting. He has been around the sport for over 24 years. As an athlete, Camargo represented the U.S. in nine international competitions and set three American Records (Junior). Having been trained by some of the very best U.S. Coaches, Camargo is now, himself, a highly-regarded and sought-after USAW coach.

 

His decision to compete this past weekend—and take a shot at qualifying for World’s—was something he’d been thinking about for awhile. The 37-year old Camargo garnered much attention as he stepped onto the platform this weekend for the first time in 18 years. 

 

“After lots of consideration, I decided to make a comeback to the sport as an athlete hoping it will inspire others to do the same, and to deliver the message to athletes in my generation that it is never too late to try,” said Camargo, adding, “I haven’t worn a singlet since 1997 so this event was full of many emotions and great experiences for me.”

 

Another driving force behind Camargo’s decision to compete again was the encouragement of one of his own elite athletes, Mattie Rogers, a Team USA member and international competitor. Roles were flipped this weekend, as Rogers put on her coaching hat and assisted Camargo in qualifying. Rogers will also coach Camargo in Finland at the World Championships.

 

Leading up to September, Camargo will go back to coaching at the Jr. Pan American Championships in Colombia, fulfilling his duties and role as this year's Head Coach to Team USA.

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