Ellen Kercher
Tell us a little about yourself
I am an Olympic Weightlifter who was a resident at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs 2012-2015. After this, I decided to pursue my undergrad in exercise science because I tore my ulnar collateral ligament and had to undergo a complete elbow reconstruction. I am currently a full time student athlete at East Tennessee State University and will begin the Physical Therapy Doctorate Program in January 2019. I just recently placed 2nd at University Nationals and qualified for the University World Championships in Poland.
What got you into Weightlifting?
Basketball
What is your biggest achievement to date?
Being accepted into the physical therapy program and qualifying for University Worlds.
Do you have a favorite lift?
The Clean & Jerk.
How do you prepare yourself before a competition?
Train 10 + hours a week and get dry needling paired with rehabilitative exercises to prevent injuries.
Do you have any training goals?
I would love to make the Senior Worlds Team and win another National Championship!
Do you have a particular training program?
Block periodization researched by Dr. Stone that focuses on raw strength (squats, pressing, and pulling movements)
Where do you train?
Olympic Training Site out of ETSU
How often do you train?
Everyday there is a goal that needs to be reached.
Do you ever lose focus/motivation to train, and if so how do you overcome these situations?
I overcome these situations by reminding myself why I love the sport of weightlifting and how many life experiences and lessons it has taught me.
Do you diet to maintain in a particular weight class?
Yes, the 53 kg class.
Do you have any plans in changing weight classes?
No.
How focused is your diet?
I work with a nutritionist/athletic trainer to keep track of my macros
Do you have any food weaknesses?
Dunkin Donuts!
What tips would you have for someone struggling with their diet?
Honestly, I love eating so I try not to think of it as dieting, but rather a food log so I can understand how my body reacts to certain nutrients and this helps one alter food intake to help improve overall performance.
What’s something fun, or funny, about yourself that people don’t know?
As a weightlifter, people always love to ask what I bench when that is never an exercise I actually perform on a regular basis so I make it up as a joke.
Do you have any hobbies outside of lifting?
Going to my favorite bar and then going to a movie
What do you love most about weightlifting, and what’s something you would what to change?
I love going to competitions and the adrenalin when I am about to perform. I would change the cutting weight part.
What advice would you give to any newbies interested in Weightlifting?
Olympic Weightlifting is not learned in one session, it takes a lot of time and dedication to perfect these movements so do not get frustrated.
Where/How did you hear about King Kong Apparel?
What made you want to be a King Kong Ambassador?
The gear is awesome and super convenient for my sport
What do you love most about King Kong?
The owners are very kind and the gear is actually well made and does not fall apart easily
What’s your favorite King Kong bag?
My backpack that holds my lifting shoes in the back
What’s the first word that comes to mind when I say King Kong Bags
#iamkingkong
