Update: Hampton Morris won bronze on August 7 in the 61K class. This is the FIRST Olympic weightlifting medal for the United States in 40 years (since 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles). Congratulations to Hampton and Team USA for this historic performance on the platform!

Two athletes with direct ties to Cobb Schools are hopeful for gold in Paris this week at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Hal Hershfelt is an alternate midfielder for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT), and Hampton Morris is a weightlifter competing in the 61K (134 lbs) weight class.

Hershfelt graduated from Lassiter in 2019, and Morris is a recent Pope grad. A standout soccer talent at Lassiter, Hershfelt played for Clemson and was selected fifth overall in the 2024 draft by the Washington Spirit. Morris is the current world record holder in the 61K clean and jerk (176K, 387 lbs) and has been a competitive lifter since 2016 when he was 12 years old.

The USWNT recently beat Germany, 1-0, to advance to the gold medal match against Brazil on Saturday, August 10. Although Hershfelt didn't get to play, she is ready and willing for her chance if needed. She will be supporting her team from the sidelines to bring home the gold.

Morris begins his competition tomorrow (Wednesday, August 7) at 9 AM. The 61K snatch and clean and jerk prelims are first, with the finals beginning at 2:15 PM. All eyes will be on Morris as he looks to defend his world record and add a gold medal to his collection. His 176K world record lift was accomplished at the World Cup, held in Thailand in April, and is the first men's senior world record since 1969.

Well done, Hal and Hampton! Watch these outstanding Cobb athletes and the rest of Team USA in Olympic action this week.

Photo: Hert Niks from Pexels