COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Hampton Morris, Wes Kitt, Jordan DelaCruz, Olivia Reeves and Mary Theisen-Lappen will represent the United States in weightlifting at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, USA Weightlifting announced Friday.
Four members of the team finished in the top five in their weight classes, according to the governing body.
“This is an incredibly talented and well-positioned team,” said Mike Gattone, senior director of sports performance for USA Weightlifting. “It’s historic for USA Weightlifting to bring this level of athlete depth to the Olympics. The outlook and health of this team is exceptional.”
Kitt and Morris are aiming to become the first American men to win an Olympic medal in the sport in 40 years, since Guy Carleton and Mario Martinez accomplished the feat at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
The 20-year-old Morris is the youngest American weightlifter to compete in the Olympics since Cheryl Howarth in 2000 and just broke the world record for the clean and jerk of 61 kg, lifting 388 pounds (176 kg) at the World Cup meet in Thailand earlier this year. His biggest rival will be the defending champion, Li Fabin of China.
Dela Cruz, Reeves and Theisen-Lappen will be looking to build on the two medals won by U.S. women at Tokyo three years ago — by Kate Nye at 76 kg and Sarah Robles at over 87 kg. Reeves was the top qualifier in the 71 kg class.
“We couldn’t be more excited about these five athletes and what they represent for the advancement of elite weightlifting in the United States,” said Matt Sicchio, president and CEO of USA Weightlifting. “These five athletes fought tooth and nail through a rigorous qualification process to earn a spot on this team, and throughout the process, they were fantastic representatives of themselves, their families and our country.”
Weightlifting will be held at South Paris Arena from Aug. 7-11.
