Mangold visits Dublin Pub as part of "Long Lift the Queen Tour"

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Locals bid good luck to London-bound US Olympian weightlifter Holley Mangold at the Dublin Pub in the Oregon District Sunday.

It was second of three stops for the Miami Valley native as part of her "Long Lift the Queen Tour".

Mangold performed a clean-and-jerk before the crowd.  Its one of the lifts the 22-year-old will be competing in as she represents the United States in the super heavyweight division.

"I'm so excited to compete in the Olympics," said Mangold.  "I'm so excited that I'm frustrated I'm not over there yet.  I'm really hoping to bring one back for the USA." 

Mangolds' dream of becoming an Olympian became a reality when she clinched the second qualifying spot at the Olympic trials in Columbus last March.

Now, the former Alter Knight is hoping to put the "gold" in Mangold.  Mangold said she couldn't do it without the support of her family, who will accompany her to London for the games.

Dozens of people waited in line to meet the Olympian and have their photograph taken with Mangold at the pub before she leaves to represent Dayton, Ohio and the United States alike.
 

Mangold said her path to the Olympics has been a twisted one and is leaving her fans with one piece of advice.

"Never give up," said Mangold.  "Just never give up because the world is going to push you down sometimes but you need to just keep going."

Mangolds' final stop will be at Beef 'O' Brady's in Centerville July 19th before heading to London.

If you want to keep up with Holley as she competes you can do so via Facebook and Twitter.  Simply type in her name, Holley Mangold, to follow her.