The St. Bernard Sports Hall of Fame prides itself in giving back to the community. Our community is built on our youth athletes who eventually grow into amazing contributors to our society. Most of the STBHOF sponsorships are handed out to our baseball, volleyball, wrestling, cross country, and basketball athletes and teams. However, there is one sport we have been excited about being a part of over the last few years.
Thirteen-year-old Olympic Weightlifter, Mackenzie Gayé, is one of our current athletes who we take pride in supporting. Her journey started at age 8 when she joined a kids’ class at Parish Barbell Club. When she turned ten, Gayé decided to become competitive. This choice was a good one for her as she is currently nationally ranked in USAW. She is currently 4th in the nation in her weight and age class. Mackenzie has competed in three National Tournaments and the American Open since age eleven. This summer she traveled to Pittsburgh where she won her first bronze medal for the clean and jerk. Mackenzie also holds the Louisiana State title for the last two years.
Mackenzie’s training brings her to Parish Barbell Club to train with her current coaches Kayla Basley-Burke and Harley Burke four times a week. There is not much that keeps this young girl away from training. Mackenzie Gayé says, “when I lift I feel confident and empowered; weightlifting has given me such a mental edge in life, along with a fire inside that has allowed me to set goals for myself. I love this sport. I am so grateful that I have this in my life to drive me to be better each and every day.”
Owner of Girls Gone Buff/Parish Barbell Club, Chelsey Tharp-Quirk says, “At just 13 years old, Mack has shown incredible strength, determination, and focus. Her empowering spirit and strong will have made her a positive light in our gym. We are immensely proud of her outstanding performance at youth nationals, where she not only excelled, but also brought home medals! Her achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication.” Chelsey had the privilege to coach Mack (what her gym friends call her) in Pittsburgh this summer while her current coaches were prepping for their first born son.
Gayé, along with other athletes will be competing for another State Title in Olympic Weightlifting on Saturday, August 10, 2024, with competition starting at 9am. The event will take place at Joe Davies Gym, 4101 Mistrot St. Meraux, LA 70075. Parish Barbell Club is proud to host this event for the third year in a row. PBC’s partnership with USAW proves that the commitment to excellence as we bring this sport to the forefront of what is happening in our community. Tharp-Quirk says, “As we look ahead to the Louisiana State Championship, we are filled with excitement and confidence. Mack and our other athletes are ready to showcase their strength and skills, and we have no doubt Mack will rise to the occasion. We know Mack will make an impressive impact and continue her journey of success in the sport of Weightlifting. We believe in her and can’t wait to see her shine! Come watch her and all of our amazing weightlifters on August 10th.”
St. Bernard Hall of Fame President, Melissa Barbay Gayé says, “With the success of our Olympic athletes in Paris this summer, it is a prime opportunity for us as a community to not only understand this sport and the importance of it within our athletes, but we are at a crossroads where we can embrace it. Weightlifting allows athletes to technically develop skills while challenging themselves to a higher standard of competition. I hope we can shed light on the sport and inspire other youth athletes to try it.”
