Hampton Morris

At the 2024 Paris Olympics Hampton Morris became the first U.S. man to win an Olympic weightlifting medal in over 40 years by securing a bronze medal in the men’s 61 kg category. At the age of 20 Hampton Morris reached a combined total of 298 kg (657 lbs) but failed to achieve a silver medal because of a world record attempt that did not succeed in the clean and jerk.

Hampton Morris entered the world on February 17, 2004, in Marietta, Georgia. At age ten he started weightlifting under the guidance of his father Tripp Morris who constructed a weightlifting facility at their home. His dedication from the start produced swift achievements including multiple national titles and world records. During the 2024 IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand he established both senior and junior world records by lifting 176 kg (388 lbs) in the clean and jerk.

The 61 kg weight class has seen Morris achieve 20 American records that span across youth, junior and senior divisions including the snatch (127 kg), clean and jerk (176 kg) and total (303 kg). The World Championships have not seen an American gold medalist since 1972 until Morris achieved this milestone.

The achievements of Morris have not changed his perspective as he continues training in his family’s garage located in Marietta, Georgia. The success of this athlete has created positive expectations for the upcoming development of U.S. weightlifting.