BULGARIA, — A 19-year-old Olympic weightlifting sensation hailing from Marietta has once again captivated audiences with his stellar performance at the European Championships held in Sofia, Bulgaria, according to a release from Team USA.
Hampton Morris, representing Team USA, set new American junior and senior records, along with two record-breaking totals on Tuesday night with a phenomenal snatch of 126 kg (277.78 lbs), followed by a commanding clean and jerk (C&J) of 171 kg (376.99 lbs), culminating in an impressive total of 297 kg (654.77 lbs) in the 61 kg (134. 48 lbs) category. In total, Morris set eight new American records through the competition, and his 171 C&J tied the junior world record.
“I feel amazing,” Morris said after coming off the platform. “All I was thinking about was the OQR (Olympic Qualification Ranking) coming into today. I need to represent the United States in the Olympics - that’s what I’m working for.”
Senior Director of Sports Performance for USA Weightlifting Mike Gattone commended Morris's performance, describing him as a "machine" on the platform. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by Morris's father and coach, Tripp Morris, in his training regimen.
"Hampton’s snatch really set us up for a fantastic day," Gattone said. "The clean and jerk is Hampton’s lift - everyone knows that - and he was so steady, super calm, having a good time, and was just really being himself. He’s maturing every day, and the sky’s the limit for him.”
Despite Morris' remarkable achievements, his total of 297 kg (654.77 lbs) was ineligible for an official medal due to technicalities surrounding Team USA's participation in the competition.