Paris Olympics Weightlifting: Athletes to Watch and Key Storylines

The Paris Olympics will feature notable weightlifters, including Hampton Morris, Maude Charron, and Lasha Talakhadze. Key storylines include doping scrutiny and China’s dominance in the sport. Important dates range from August 7-11. Reigning champions include athletes from countries like China, Qatar, and Uzbekistan.

Weightlifting at the Paris Olympics will showcase top athletes to watch. Among them is Hampton Morris from the United States, who, at just 20, could be the youngest American weightlifter to compete since 2000. Additionally, Lasha Talakhadze, a back-to-back Olympic champion from Georgia, aims for a three-peat despite recent knee issues.

Maude Charron of Canada, the Tokyo 64kg gold medalist, is now competing in the 59kg division, while Yekta Jamali, part of the IOC Refugee Team, hopes to win a medal after relocating from Iran to Germany to escape discrimination. The sport faces intense scrutiny over doping, with the IOC closely monitoring drug testing.

China remains a powerful force, having won multiple gold medals in Tokyo, and they are expected to dominate again. Key weightlifting dates include August 7-11, with reigning champions across different weight classes ready to defend their titles.

(With inputs from agencies.)