Elle Bays, a senior at Pedro Menendez High School , in Florida, is the helping change the narrative for girls and women in weightlifting. While the sport is often viewed as masculine, Bays is proving that strength and femininity can coexist.

A Rising Star Changing the Narrative

Bays is ranked the No. 1 developmental weightlifter in the country and is a member of Team USA. She has competed internationally in Peru and Mexico and captured gold at the Youth Pan American Games with a 116-kilogram lift in the 77-kilogram division. In December, Bays broke the Florida snatch record on her first, second and third attempts. The back-to-back national champion continues to build a legacy most athletes spend years chasing, but Bays is just getting started.

Recently, Bays shared her story in an exclusive Q&A with High School On SI.

Q&A with Elle Bays

Myckena Guerrero: You’ve accomplished so much at a young age.…