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Representative
Dan Roach
is working hard
on the issues:
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Other Links:
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Legislative Office:
122C Legislative Bldg.
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA
98504-0600
Phone: 360.786.7846
Legislative Email:
Roach.Dan@leg.wa.gov
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Campaign:
20825 SR-410 E.
PMB #365
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
Phone: 253.826.6704
Campaign Email:
Dan.Roach@comcast.net
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Melanie Roach
"Dan's 'STRONGEST'
supporter!"
  
Background
on Mrs. Melanie Kosoff Roach
Melanie
was introduced to gymnastics when she was twelve years old. A
relative latecomer to the sport, Melanie excelled quickly and
competed in club as a level 8. When the cost became too prohibitive,
Melanie moved from Dallas, OR, to Auburn, WA, where she was able to
compete in the public school system. A standout at Auburn High
School, Melanie’s career took a turn for the worse when she
dislocated her elbow her junior year. She went on to compete her
senior year with varied success, and eventually had reconstructive
surgery to repair her damaged elbow.
Not long after graduation, Melanie was approached by a friend who
competed in Olympic Style Weightlifting. Her friend encouraged her
to give it a try. At first, Melanie wasn’t interested, but after a
while she decided to give it try.
Melanie met Coach John Thrush of the Calpian Weightlifting Club in
Sumner, WA, and began training in 1994. After just three months,
Melanie qualified for the American Open Championships. She placed
third in her first National event. She stepped away from the sport
for a while but in 1996, she committed herself to a consistent
workout schedule. After two quick years, Melanie claimed the number
one ranking over all weight classes, and seemed to be a virtual lock
for the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.
Injury struck at the worst possible time. Three weeks before the
Olympic Team Trials, Melanie injured her back while working out. She
withdrew from the competition and watched her teammates compete.
Melanie was named to the 2000 Olympic Team Squad, but did not travel
to Sydney, Australia.
After much thought and prayer, Melanie decided to unofficially
retire from weightlifting and focus on her family and business.
Since 2000, Melanie and her husband, Dan, have been quite busy. They
have four children, a successful gymnastics business, and Dan is
also serving his third term as a Washington State Representative.
One morning in the spring of 2005, Melanie woke her husband and told
him that she wanted to return to weightlifting and try to make the
Olympics in 2008! After making a few adjustments with schedules and
life, Melanie began training again.
In spring of 2006, Melanie qualified for the US National Team,
making her comeback feel real. Shortly thereafter, she won bronze at
the Pan American Championships in Guatemala. In August, she won her
6th National title and qualified for the World Team.
Melanie went on to win a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan America Games
and won the #1 spot on the 2008 Olympic Team at the Olympic Trials.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Melanie had a career best performance,
setting a new American record and placing 5th overall.
Melanie and her family cherished every moment of her comeback. She
feels very lucky to have had the opportunity to finally fulfill her
dream!
Click here for Melanie's
Weightlifting Accomplishments.
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