From the end of June through Fourth of July weekend, Detroit, Michigan, is serving as the battleground for the best Olympic weightlifters from around the United States. The USA Weightlifting (USAW) Nationals event is the biggest national competition in the sport, hosting everyone from teenagers to masters lifters who have been at it for decades.
The Under 25 Championships, and the main event, the open-class USAW Nationals are still to come in Detroit. Check back here for updates throughout the competition!
Youth and Junior Championships Highlights
Hampton Morris Sets Three American Records and Takes Gold
In the 16-17-year-old 61-kilogram category, Hampton Morris had as great a day as any lifter could ask for. He set three American records in the competition on the way to claiming top honors in his weight class. His total was 117 kg (258 lbs.) on the snatch and 154 kg (339 lbs.) on the clean and jerk, setting a new total record of 2,571 kg (597.5 lbs.). As a result, he also will leave Michigan with the gold medal around his neck.
Katie Estep Sets Clean and Jerk Record Twice
In the women’s 16-17-year-old 55-kilogram division, Katie Estep saved her best lift for last. After topping out on the snatch at 82 kg (180.5 lbs.), she missed her first clean and jerk attempt. Undeterred, she nailed 98 kg (216 lbs.) successfully on the second attempt, a new American record. But Estep wasn’t done. She added 5 kg to the bar and set the American record again with a lift of 103 kg (227 lbs.). Her total of 185 kg (408 lbs.) secured the win and the American record for total, as well.
Mark Chavez Wins 55-kg Junior National Championship
After the Youth groups were finished, the Junior Nationals began. Men’s 55-kg competitor Mark Chavez is this year’s first big winner. He went just one for three on the snatch, with his good lift being with 80 kg (176 lbs.) Then, the clean and jerk set him apart from the pack. He went three-for-three on his attempts with 100, 105, and 110 kg (242 lbs.) respectively. His 190-kg total was good enough for him to take the gold in Detroit.