PHOENIX — 12News loves to spotlight the hard work and dedication of the youth in the Valley. This week that spotlight is on Amelia Phillips.
15-year-old Amelia was nominated for the 12News Champion of the Week award by her weightlifting coach Eric Bramwell.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Even at her young age, Amelia is already a celebrated athlete. She was the 2023 North American Open Youth Champion, along with the 2024 Arizona High School Weightlifting State Champion and the 2023 North American Open Series Youth Champion.
Amelia also holds several state and regional weightlifting records.
"She is the perfect example of anyone at any age can try something new and have success," Bramwell explained.
Amelia just returned from a competition in Peru. 12News went out to Queen Creek to Dean Starky's gym to meet Amelia and find out what a day hitting the weights looks.
Amelia said she spends about 4 hours a day training. She drew inspiration from her sister's pole-vaulting sport and has never looked back.
As one of six sisters, Amelia loves to inspire and work hard.
Amelia said part of her success is thanks to her parents.
"They help me stay on track with getting enough to eat and help me get to and from practice," she said.
In addition to wrestling, Amelia also does cheerleading and volunteers at several charities.
More about Champion of the Week
The Champion of the Week award is made possible in part by Champion Air and Barry Farah.
Each champion is surprised with a medal, trophy and $600 check for all their hard work.
If you would like to nominate someone for the award, click here.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.