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Young Weightlifters Compete in Palm Beach Olympic-Style Championship
10-year-old Jacob Goico wins his first competition, while high schooler Manuel Hodgman prepares for state title
Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:21pm
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Young athletes showcased their Olympic-style weightlifting skills at a competition in Palm Beach, Florida. 10-year-old Jacob Goico won his first championship, while high schooler Manuel Hodgman is using the events to prepare for a state title.
Why it matters
The event highlights the growing popularity of Olympic-style weightlifting among youth athletes in the Palm Beach area, as they work to develop their skills and compete at higher levels of competition.
The details
The competition featured fast-paced lifts with athletes showcasing the snatch and clean and jerk techniques just like professional weightlifters. For first-time competitor Jacob Goico, the event was a chance to overcome his nerves and prove his passion for the sport. Meanwhile, Manuel Hodgman, who reached the state championship last year with his school team, is using these events to continue improving and prepare for another run at a state title.
- The competition took place on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
- Jacob Goico started weightlifting just four months ago, thanks to his big brother.
- Manuel Hodgman reached the state championship with his school team last year.
The players
Jacob Goico
A 10-year-old who won the kids 1st Place Championship in his first-ever weightlifting competition.
Manuel Hodgman
A high school student who placed first in the high school division and is using these events to prepare for a state championship.
Carl Penney
The owner of Palm Beach Weightlifting, the organization that hosted the Olympic-style weightlifting competition.
What they’re saying
“This is my first competition, so when I was doing my first snatch, I was pretty nervous. On my second attempt, I was like you know what, I got this.”
— Jacob Goico, Kids 1st Place Champ
“It's so much fun, I love going out there, I love lifting, it's just amazing.”
— Manuel Hodgman, First-place high schooler
“We always start the day off with these young kids, and that's like the best part of my day, and as the goes I get a little tired, and it gets a little, and as much as I like the adults I'm kind of a sucker for the kids.”
— Carl Penney, Owner of Palm Beach Weightlifting
What’s next
Manuel Hodgman is preparing to compete in the state championship later this year, hoping to build on his success at the Palm Beach event.
The takeaway
The Palm Beach Olympic-style weightlifting competition showcases the growing interest and talent among young athletes in the region, as they work to develop their skills and compete at higher levels. The event provides a platform for these young lifters to showcase their abilities and gain experience, setting them up for future success.
