After one of Haefke’s track and field coaches — Sam Viglienzone, also the Alhambra wrestling coach — suggested the shot and discus thrower try weightlifting, something clicked. It turns out, she was a natural. And after summer of rigorous two-a-day training workouts, Haefke attended the International Powerlifting League World Championships in Las Vegas from Nov. 6-10 and promptly set a Junior World Record for the Women’s Under-17 division. Haefke set the record in the deadlift, a lift requiring the athlete to pick the weight straight up off the ground and bring it against his or her body until hips and knees lock. Her record lift was…
