On February 23, 2018, USA Weightlifting named its squad for the 2018 Youth Pan American Weightlifting Championships.  Lifters were chosen based on their lifting totals in two important competitions this year: The American Open Championships in Anaheim, CA and the Junior National Championships in Spokane, WA. HPHS Junior Alexandra Thornton competed in both events with an eye toward being chosen to represent the United States. She was not to be denied and received a phone call confirming her selection for the team shortly before the official announcement. The 2018 Youth Pan American Championships are scheduled for June 3-10 in Palmira, Colombia, South America. Alexandra is proud for the opportunity to wear the red, white, and blue singlet of Team USA.