The 2023 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Weightlifting Championships (WWC) begin on Sep. 4, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Hampton Morris is ready. The 19-year-old Junior World Champion recently posted another phenomenal training lift to social media ahead of the biggest meet in the sport.
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By clean & jerking 179 kilograms (394.6 pounds) — which exceeds the current 61-kilogram world record by four kilos — Morris is proving he might be ready to make a run for the top of the podium at Worlds. He also shared some of insight into how his lifting differs at home compared to a competitive setting.
Weightlifting Training vs. Competition
In the comments section of his post, Morris elaborated on his readiness level, writing, “I am definitely not ready for [this weight] in competition,” acknowledging the many differences between training in the comfort of one’s own gym and the rigors of an international weightlifting meet.
Almost all professional weightlifters have some level of discrepancy between their off-platform “training” 1-rep-maxes versus what they can do in a competitive setting. This gulf usually comes down to two factors: Weight class demands and comfort in the environment.
Morris typically competes at a body weight of 61 kilograms, or 134.4 pounds. However, he (and almost all other weightlifting athletes) tend to sit at a slightly heavier body weight outside of competitions and then cut down a few weeks prior. The heavier body weight lets them train harder and recover more quickly.
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Further, weightlifters don’t always thrive in competitive settings. High-level meets like the WWC are extremely stressful and volatile. Athletes are sometimes forced to warm up quicker (or slower) than they’re comfortable with. Moreover, athletes like Morris must deal with multiple days of travel to attend competitions in the first place, which can disrupt their preparation.
The current 175-kilogram clean & jerk record belongs to China’s Li Fabin, who set it at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships. Morris may not be ready for 179 at Worlds this year, but a gold medal is definitely within striking distance.
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Featured Image: @hamptonmorris on Instagram
