OLYMPICS: Viewing Party for Area Weightlifter

Desert Hot Springs will host an Olympics watching party Sunday in honor of San Jacinto High School graduate Sarah Robles, who will be competing in women's weightlifting.

Sarah Robles, who grew up in Desert Hot Springs, is ranked as the top American. Starting Sunday, she will compete in the class that starts at 75 kilograms, or 165 pounds.

"The city of Desert Hot Springs congratulates Ms. Robles on this major accomplishment and wishes her the best of luck in London. We'll be rooting for you, Sarah," Mayor Yvonne Parks said in a statement.   

Because of the limited appeal of women's weightlifting, Robles had been unable to find a commercial sponsor and was squeaking by on a $400-per-month stipend from U.S.A. Weightlifting. Then in early July, Solve Media offered to back her just as she left for London.

For fans who want to follow the Olympic action online, Robles, 23, has been posting updates on her Facebook page -- Sarah Robles- Olympian -- and via Twitter @roblympian.

Robles' road to the Olympics began at San Jacinto High School where track coach Rich McClure started her on weights to improve her shot putting and discus throwing. By 2005 " ... I fell in love with it," she said.

At Arizona State University, where she won a track and field scholarship, she met weightlifting coach Joe Micela in 2008 and decided to concentrate on weightlifting.

The viewing is set for 7:30 a.m. Sunday at the Carl May Community Center, 11711 West Drive.