PARIS, France — A weightlifter from Marietta is having the time of his life, not only aiming for gold but meeting celebrities at the Paris Olympics.
Hampton Morris, who graduated from Pope High School, had the chance to encounter Snoop Dogg and help give his little sister a great birthday gift -- a personal message from the celebrity himself.
In a video shown to 11Alive, the rapper wishes Morris' sister, Etta Jane, a happy birthday as she turns 17. Decked out in a white shirt with American flags on the shoulder, a chain and some snazzy sunglasses with stars, the celebrity was seemingly in a celebratory spirit for both Team USA and Morris' sister.
In a lighthearted encounter, Snoop Dogg accidentally calls her "Etta James," and her big brother is quick to correct him.
"Your brother told me your name wrong. I had it right the first time," Snoop Dogg said as laughter could be heard from the background.
The celebrity quickly restarted his birthday wishes on the video.
"Etta Jane, happy birthday from Big Snoop Dogg. Enjoy your birthday, alright," he said. "Peace and love."
Morris said he was very grateful the artist agreed to do that for his sister as he gets amped up for his Olympic games as he competes this week.
See the full interview with Morris and the video of Snoop Dogg below.
More about Hampton Morris
Georgia connection: From Marietta, Pope HS alum; Country: USA
More about this athlete: Morris was coached by his father Tripp Morris and primarily trains out of a home gym. He began competing at 12 years old and now ranks #2 in the world at 61kg.
The 20-year-old has set 10 World records and owns 20 American records across youth, junior and senior levels.
He'll arrive in Paris on the heels of winning silver at the IWF World Cup in Thailand this year, and he has previously won three golds at the Pan American Games. He won gold last year at the World Championships for his class in the clean & jerk but did not complete a snatch lift to place overall at the event.