MARQUETTE – U.S. Olympic Training Site weightlifter Vanessa McCoy earned a first-place finish Saturday at the USA Weightlifting regional championships held in the St. Louis.

The Northern Michigan University athlete competed at 63 kilograms (138. 9 pounds) and lifted 192 kg (423.3 lbs.) total, 22 kg (48.5 lbs.) ahead of runner-up Kathleen O’Neill.

McCoy lifted a personal best of 87 kg (191.8 lbs.) in the snatch and 105 kg (231.5 lbs.) in the clean and jerk.

The competition is classified as the final Pan American Games qualification event. It also allowed athletes the opportunity to qualify for the USA Weightlifting National Championships in Dallas to be held in August.