- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: June 30, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
RECOGNIZING SOPHIA SHAFT FOR WINNING THE PANAMERICAN WEIGHTLIFTING
CHAMPIONSHIP
HON. JACK BERGMAN
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Sophia Shaft of Canton, Michigan, for her extraordinary achievement in winning the Panamerican Weightlifting Championship in Panama City, Panama. At just 21 years old, Sophia represented the United States with distinction, discipline, and poise.
the youngest athlete in the field and rose to the occasion in remarkable fashion. She earned second place in both the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk events, while securing the highest combined total to claim the overall Panamerican Championship title. Her accomplishment is a testament not only to her athletic talent, but also to the countless hours of preparation, sacrifice, and perseverance required to compete at the international level.
her parents, Dr. Jeremy and Shay Shaft, her younger sister, Eadie, and her coaches at Optimus Barbell Club. In only three short years in the sport of weightlifting, Sophia has already established herself as one of the Nation's premier young competitors and is now on the path toward representing the United States at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating Sophia Shaft on this outstanding achievement and wishing her continued success in the years ahead. Her accomplishments bring great pride to the State of Michigan and serve as an inspiration to young athletes across our Nation.