Marin teen athlete conquers heavy lifts with light heart

Noelia Torres-Perez stands before the barbell and its heavy round weights. Her back is straight, arms by her side, head bowed. Slowly, she bends forward and wraps her chalk-dusted hands on the silver metal bar.

In a flash, the tiny 17-year-old inhales, tightens her grip, crouches down and rises, lifting 50 pounds of metal and plastic until it rests on her shoulders. Her face relaxes and she does three leg squats. Then she quickly steps forward and hoists the weight over her head, both arms outstretched.