Hampton Morris has made history at the 2024 IWF World Cup, a feat no one has achieved in the past 55 years. With the competition taking place from March 31st until April 11th, in Phuket, Thailand, Hampton quickly became the star of the show. He did so by setting a 176-kilogram (388-pound) Clean & Jerk World Record, thus becoming the first American to do so since 1969.
Hampton Morris’s Clean & Jerk World Record
Hampton Morris has been one of the most promising weightlifters from the US for some time now, but it was still hard to expect from him to do something that no one was able to do in over half a century. However, despite still being a Junior athlete, Hampton’s Clean & Jerk proved to be better than those of any other U61KG weightlifter.
Hampton Morris’ Clean & Jerk World Record happened on his third attempt, where he loaded 176 kilograms (388 pounds) on the barbell. Wearing nothing but a lifting belt, Hampton easily cleaned the barbell off the floor. He then remained still for a few seconds, giving himself time to catch his breath.
The Jerk portion of the lift was a bit more difficult for Hampton, as he had to take a few steps forward in order to stabilize himself under the bar. He quickly gained full control and lockout, giving the judges no choice but to validate his lift. Once the confirmation arrived, Hampton could not contain his joy, aware of the gigantic step he had taken for USA weightlifting.
- Unsuccessful — 169 kilograms (372.6 pounds)
- 172 kilograms (379.2 pounds)
- 176 kilograms (388 pounds) — U61KG World & American Records
*Li Fabin held the previous U61KG Clean & Jerk World Record of 175-kg (385.8-lb), which he set at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships.
Watch the lift here:
Related: Hampton Morris (61KG) Sets Three American Records at 2024 European Weightlifting Championships
The US has not had any World Record holders in the sport of weightlifting for a very long time, since Bob Bednarski was the last athlete to hold that achievement. Bob set his record back in 1969, meaning that 55 years have passed since.
Hampton Morris’ Full Performance
Snatch
The Snatch was the first event of the 2024 IWF World Cup. So, having brought in the best shape of his career, Hampton Morris opened up with a humongous lift of 124 kilograms (273.4 pounds). Seeing how well the opener moved, it was clear that Morris was capable of lifting significantly more weight.
So, Hampton Morris loaded 127 kilograms (280 pounds) for his second attempt on the Snatch. Once again, the weight moved smoothly, making for a new U61KG American Record. Hampton hoped to progress the record even further on his final attempt at 130 kilograms (286.6 pounds), but was unable to do so.
- 124 kilograms (273.4 pounds)
- 127 kilograms (280 pounds) — U61KG American Record
- Unsuccessful — 130 kilograms (286.6 pounds)
Total — 303 kilograms (668 pounds) — U61KG American Record
Unfortunately for Hampton Morris, despite the fact that his Clean & Jerk was far better than any of his rivals achieved, the Snatch was what cost him the title at the 2024 IWF World Cup. Li Fabin managed to snatch 19 kilograms (41.9 pounds) more, which proved to be crucial in the title race.
2024 IWF World Cup Results [Total] — U61KG Podium
- Li Fabin (CHN) — 312 kilograms (703.3 pounds)
- Hampton Morris (USA) — 303 kilograms (668 pounds)
- Pak Myong Jin (PRK) — 301 kilograms (663.6 pounds)
Related: Ri Song Gum (49KG) Lands 221-kg (487.2-lb) Total World Record at 2024 IWF World Cup
Hampton Morris has had his fair share of success already, having won three consecutive Pan American Games. However, nothing can compare with his new Clean & Jerk World Record and the fact that he is the greatest weightlifter that the US has right now. So, he will be hopeful of representing his country in the best light at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris as well.
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