Meidinger twins reach lifting goal of 200 pounds
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
3 of 3 free articles.
ARLEE — Identical twins Aspen and Rachelle Meidinger share everything, from their long dark hair and eyes to a passion for music, and even a cell phone. Now they have something else in common: they are the only two girls at Arlee High School who can bench press 200 pounds.
Shawn Orr, the girls’ weightlifting teacher, said he doesn’t know of any other females at Arlee to reach that goal. Orr utilizes the Bigger Faster Stronger program in the class, which is a total conditioning program for all athletes regardless of sport, age or gender. The girls are lifting at an All-American or Elite level, according to the program. In a class of five females and 11 males, the twins have definitely set the bar high. They have been working toward their heavy goal for some time.
Rachelle recalled making a serious pact with herself as a freshman. After years of building up her strength, on the final day of her junior year she finally broke 200 pounds. The most she has ever lifted was somewhere between 215 and 220. Now a senior, Rachelle said at the time she felt like no other person could achieve 200 pounds.
“It’s so huge for a girl to accomplish,” Rachelle said.
And no other girl did, until this year, when older twin Aspen lifted 200 pounds.
“It makes me proud that the only one that can do this is related to me,” Rachelle shared.
“It was something I was trying to do since seventh grade,” Aspen said. “It’s about building and re-ripping your muscles.”
On the last day of school, before the holiday break, the twins are in the weight room, spotting and pushing each other with each rep. Aspen stands above Rachelle, her hands hovering under the bar, as her twin bench presses the weight. Then they switch positions, taking turns lifting.
“They always like to do better than each other,” Orr said of their friendly rivalry.
“We are very proud of them,” father Randy Meidinger said.
“They both have a lot of the same interests,” added mom Michelle Meindinger. She said the girls both play musical instruments — Aspen the guitar and Rachelle, the alto saxophone — and they also compete in track and field.
But then there are traits unique to each girl.
“Aspen is artistic and likes writing and poetry,” Michelle said, noting that Aspen wants to pursue a career in music. “Rachelle is happy-go-lucky and really into sports,” Michelle said, adding that Rachelle has mentioned she would to be a coach.
“They are best friends,” Michelle said. “It’s like the slumber party that never ends."
