BASEHOR, Kan. – Ellie Marmon, a junior at Basehor Linwood High School, recently won the 5A state champion in powerlifting in Kansas.

The Cherokee Nation citizen has been competing with her high school for the past three years in the 105-pound division. 

“This is her third year making it to state and placing in the 5A state championship. In the (20)21 school year, she placed third. In the (20)22 school year, she placed second and this year she placed first,” Heather Marmon, Ellie’s mom, said. “Her overall weight lifted at state was 425 pounds (hand clean, bench, squat). The state powerlifting meet took place this year at Basehor High School Feb. 24.” 

As a freshman, Ellie said she saw older girls lifting weights and wanted to try it for herself, and she wanted to be a part of winning program. 

“I didn’t know I would make it as far as I did. The girl’s program has been strong for the last 15 years, winning at state each year,” she said. “I like how I feel after working out/lifting. It makes me want to push myself.” 

Heather said her family was at first surprised that Ellie was interested in weightlifting, but then saw how it motivated her to keep pushing herself.

“We were proud of her,” she said. 

Overall, the family has been pretty involved in sports and activities over the years, Heather added. 

“We just want our kids to find something they are passionate about/enjoy doing. As far as weightlifting goes there were a couple uncles and cousins that have gone to college for it, but we never knew it was a women sport until moving into Basehor,” she said. 

To support her, Ellie’s family encourages her to train during the off season. 

“The school has an intense summer conditioning program and works hard throughout the year to keep kids involved,” Heather said. “We have gone to all her meets and let her know, no matter what, we are proud of her, to keep trying and keep her drive going.”

Ellie is unsure if she will try to compete in weightlifting in college, but she is looking at studying nursing in college. 

“Even if I don't go specifically for the lifting program, I will continue to lift weights outside of a program because I have realized it is something I enjoy,” she said. 

Having Cherokee heritage, she added she is proud she has been able to represent her Cherokee background while competing in weightlifting and “show people that anyone is capable of competing no matter the experience you have.”