My name is Ava Biesterfeld, and almost five years ago, I did my first olympic lift.

What started as a new sport quickly became something that would change my life forever. I began Olympic Weightlifting with Team Strength Works in St. Louis, Missouri, and over the past five years, I have dedicated countless hours, sacrifices, and pieces of myself to finding out just how far I can take this sport.

Along the way, I have been incredibly fortunate to have a coach who believed in me from the beginning. My coach, Zachary Huse, has poured countless hours into my development—not only as an athlete, but as a person. He has spoken vision into me, challenged me, encouraged me, and continually helped me believe in the athlete I could become.

Now, five years after picking up that barbell, my dream is coming to fruition.

I have been invited to represent Team USA at the Senior International Level for the first time at the 1st IWF Olympic Qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The competition will take place December 7–13, 2026, in Doha, Qatar.

For me, this is more than just another competition. It is an opportunity to step onto an international platform wearing the USA across my chest and take another step toward a dream that, five years ago, I could only imagine.

But getting to Doha comes with significant costs.

The competition entry fee, airfare, lodging, meals, transportation, and other travel expenses are all fully self-funded—for both my coach and me. As athletes, we are responsible for covering these expenses ourselves, and the total cost is more than I can take on alone.

That's why I'm asking for help from the community that has supported me throughout this journey.

If you've ever watched me train, encouraged me after a difficult session, celebrated a PR, helped me through a setback, or simply believed in me, this is an opportunity to be part of the next chapter of this journey.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help get us one step closer to Doha. And if you're not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community would mean just as much to me.

I am incredibly grateful for every person who has helped me get to this point. I don't take the opportunity to represent Team USA lightly, and I promise to carry the support of everyone behind me when I step onto that platform.

Five years ago, I snatched a barbell for the first time.

Now, I'm chasing the opportunity to lift on the Senior International stage representing my country.

Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and helping make this dream possible.

— Ava Biesterfeld