The City of Bonney Lake will host a pep rally for Olympic weightlifter Melanie Roach at noon Monday at Allen Yorke Park, 7625 West Tapps Highway.

NBC’s Today Show is expected to be at the community event to tape a segment on Roach.

Roach, a 33-year-old mother of three from Bonney Lake, recently captured the U.S. Olympic Trials in Atlanta to clinch a long-awaited berth to the Summer Games. The Olympics in Beijing, China, are scheduled for Aug. 8-24.

“For me, it’s just an honor to be there,” said Roach, an Auburn High School graduate

and former gymnast before venturing into weightlifting. “To be able to go as the No. 1 (ranked U.S. lifter) is a bonus, it’s amazing. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Roach moved into position for an Olympic berth after she captured her eighth national title in March.

At Atlanta, she was at her best, compiling her finest two-lift total in 10 years. The 117-pound Roach pulled 178 pounds from the floor in the snatch before nearly clearing 240 pounds in the clean and jerk.

“She was so dominant, it was ridiculous. Nobody else had a chance against her,” said John Thrush, Roach’s coach ever since he discovered the raw talent 14 years ago at Auburn High School.

Supporters can help Roach’s trip to Beijing by helping the family with training and travel expenses. The public can contribute by mailing donations to: Melanie Roach Fund (through Bank of America), 19321 State Route 410 E., Bonney Lake, WA 98391,

or by visiting www.melanieroach.com