Petite lifter disproves stereotypes

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Mark Maloney | Lexington Herald-Leader

At first sight of Melanie Roach, there's no way to guess what makes her different.

At 33, she is well groomed and dressed, somewhat on the small side (5-foot-1, 117 pounds).

She is a mother of three, one of whom is autistic. From Bonney Lake, Wash., she is married to Dan, a Washington state representative. Dan and Melanie operate their own business, Roach Gymnastics Inc.

And Melanie will compete in the Beijing Olympics with Team USA.

In weight lifting.

Read the complete story at kentucky.com.

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