While some students may be settling down from midterms and getting ready for Thanksgiving break, graduate student and USOEC weightlifter Breanne Carlson is preparing for a test on the international level.

After competing at the University Nationals in Shreveport, La., Carlson qualified for a United States international team.

“I placed second in my weight class and ended up being ranked in the top seven female university athletes,” Carlson said. “That ranking put me on the U.S. World University team.”

The third FISU World University Weightlifting Championships is being hosted by the Israel Academic Sports Association.

For Carlson, this will be a new experience for her to compete in a foreign country.

“I have traveled abroad before, but this will be my first competition abroad,” Carlson said.

Israel is six hours ahead of Carlson’s normal time zone, and she said jet lag could affect an athlete’s performance.

“I will arrive in Israel a few days early to try to make the adjustment to the time difference,” Carlson said.

Once in Israel, Carlson said she has goals in mind that will keep her focus on the competition.

“I just want to do my very best and make all my attempts count,” Carlson said. “My goal is to go six-for-six and make all my lifts.”

Head USOEC coach Vance Newgard said the last few weeks leading up to Worlds he has seen a lot of improvements from Carlson.

“Almost every week, she has hit personal records in both the snatch and the clean and jerk,” Newgard said. “I expect for her to continue that into the competition.”

Carlson said she is tapering down to recover and taking some steps outside of the weightlifting room to ensure she is at full strength for the competition.

“I have been taking extra precautions to stay well during training prior to the competition,” Carlson said.

Carlson has been applying her knowledge of alternative treatment methods to help her maintain wellness during training.

“Lately I’ve been utilizing some alternative modalities to keep me healthy and ready for competition,” Carlson said.

Even though Carlson said she is excited and focused on the competition, she is looking forward to the time after the competition.

“I cannot wait to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends,” Carlson said. “Once we all come back, though, it will be right back to work.”

Carlson is grateful for her family, friends and teammates for helping her get as far as she has.

“I would like to thank everyone on my support team,” Carlson said. “They have allowed me to live my dreams.”

Carlson will weigh in and lift the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 7, at Begin Hall in Eilat, Israel.