[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SOPHIA SHAFT FOR WINNING THE PANAMERICAN WEIGHTLIFTING 
                              CHAMPIONSHIP

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                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2026

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Sophia Shaft of 
Canton, Michigan, for her extraordinary achievement in winning the 
Panamerican Weightlifting Championship in Panama City, Panama. At just 
21 years old, Sophia represented the United States with distinction, 
discipline, and poise.
  Competing in the Senior Women's 63-kilogram weight class, Sophia was 
the youngest athlete in the field and rose to the occasion in 
remarkable fashion. She earned second place in both the Snatch and the 
Clean and Jerk events, while securing the highest combined total to 
claim the overall Panamerican Championship title. Her accomplishment is 
a testament not only to her athletic talent, but also to the countless 
hours of preparation, sacrifice, and perseverance required to compete 
at the international level.
  Sophia's success reflects the strong support of her family, including 
her parents, Dr. Jeremy and Shay Shaft, her younger sister, Eadie, and 
her coaches at Optimus Barbell Club. In only three short years in the 
sport of weightlifting, Sophia has already established herself as one 
of the Nation's premier young competitors and is now on the path toward 
representing the United States at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los 
Angeles.
  Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating Sophia Shaft on this 
outstanding achievement and wishing her continued success in the years 
ahead. Her accomplishments bring great pride to the State of Michigan 
and serve as an inspiration to young athletes across our Nation.

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