Successful national-level Olympic lifters who started in CrossFit and discovered they were better at weightlifting…they’re popping up all over the place these days, aren’t they? It’s becoming a common progression story in our sport, as more and more athletes find their true talents on the platform after they’ve spent time with the WODs. Samantha Kleinschmidt is one of those stories, but it’s becoming clear that she’s not “just another athlete.”
 
Sam was trained by Mike Gray at Outlier Barbell in San Diego, and has been having quite a fun little journey lately. The recent addition of the 90 kilo bodyweight class in the women’s division was tailor-made for her, as she proved with her gold medal C&J performance (silver overall) at the 2016 American Open in Orlando. Sam is a terrific competitor with tremendous technique and a fierce work ethic, maintaining a full-time job and still fight her way up the national ladder. She now represents Catalyst Athletics, and has quickly established herself as one of the top members of the squad.
 
Her potential for improvement is enormous, and we look forward to watching what she becomes in future years. Let’s take a look at the life of one of the stars of the new 90 kg class.
 
Tell us about your background. Where are you from, where do you currently live, what’s your occupation, family life, what kind of sports background do you have outside of lifting, etc.
 
I grew up in Benicia, CA near San Francisco. My parents, older brother, and older sister still live in my hometown. Growing up, I was encouraged to participate in many different sports. I dabbled in cheer, swimming, and wrestling, but primarily focused on dance.
 
I currently live in San Diego, CA. I just graduated from San Diego State University in May with a degree in Construction Engineering and Management. I now work as a Project Engineer for Swinerton Builders, a General Contractor for commercial construction.
 
Describe your weightlifting history. When/how did you start? Who have your coaches been? What are your proudest accomplishments?
 
When I moved to San Diego, I was no longer involved in any sports, and my dad encouraged me to try CrossFit. That was my first introduction to weightlifting, and I quickly found that I was better at the strength portions of the workouts. After two years in CrossFit, I was encouraged to do a weightlifting competition, and discovered that I enjoyed lifting way more than cardio. After that competition, I never looked back, and have focused solely on weightlifting for the last three years.
 
My first coaches were Michael Baumgarten and Erwin Caalaman at Outlier Barbell in San Diego. After I qualified to the American Open in 2013, Mike Gray maybe noticed I existed, but he didn’t start coaching me until I began taking my training seriously several months later. If you have read anything Mike Gray has written for Catalyst, you should understand that he has a no-nonsense attitude about weightlifting. We are expected to take our training seriously at Outlier Barbell Club. Mike has invested a lot of time and energy into my training over the last few years, and he has pushed me to become the athlete I am today. I know I drive him crazy frequently, but at the end of the day I know I can count on him for anything. In late 2015, I was invited to join the Catalyst Athletics weightlifting team.
 
My proudest accomplishment so far is winning gold in the C&J at the American Open, and silver in the total.
 
Please give a basic description of your training method. Just tell us as much as you can about your program, weekly/yearly planning, etc.
 
I do whatever Mike Gray tells me to do. My program is developed by the coaches at Catalyst, but Mike will adjust things based on how I am performing. Generally, my training is five days/week with a back off week every four weeks or so. I usually get a few days off after a national competition.
 
Describe some of the obstacles you face, or maybe some things that frustrate you in your weightlifting life. What kinds of changes would you like to see, either personally or with the sport in general?
 
Following a nutrition plan has always been challenging for me. I really like all kinds of food, and it’s hard for me to stick to any strict diet plans. I had a couple of tough weight cuts prior to this last American Open, but with the new weight class, I am able to focus on eating to fuel my performance and not have to train in a caloric deficit all the time.
 
Another challenge I face is having a full-time job, and trying to find enough time and energy to train hard. I have to be at work at 6AM and am usually there for 9 or 10 hours. I have really had to focus on prepping my meals for the week to make sure I have enough energy to train in the afternoon.
 
What are your plans and goals for your weightlifting career? How do you see your future in the sport?
 
This is a really exciting time for me with the addition of the 90kg weight class, I am able to compete at a weight in which I feel strong. Right now, I am focusing on nationals and want to be the first 90kg national champion in 2017. In the next few years, I would love to qualify for an international team, and ultimately hope to be in the Olympic Trials in 2020.
 
Who are some of your major influences, people you look up to, etc.? Who are the people you want to thank for your success?
 
My biggest influences are my brother Kyle Kleinschmidt and Lydia Valentin, an amazing 75 kg weightlifter from Spain. My brother is naturally athletic and has great work ethic; he will put 110 percent into every aspect of a sport. I talk to him often about my struggles and progression through this sport, and he always has great advice. Ever since I started getting interested in weightlifting, I loved to watch Lydia Valentin’s videos. She always looks like she is having fun and she makes it look easy. I strive to continue lifting while having as much fun and enjoyment as she displays; it is a work in progress. I would like to thank my family, Mike Gray, Erin and Erwin Caalaman, Greg and Aimee Everett, Mike Baumgarten, Susan Murphy, Outlier Barbell Club, and the Catalyst Athletics team for believing in me and constantly supporting my weightlifting passion.

We’re all behind you, Sam. Keep up the fight and continue your journey. This thing can become whatever you want it to be.