“There were going to be tears, good or bad.” Well, the tears turned out to be good as Team USA carved out another historic moment! Olivia Reeves, the 21-year-old weightlifting sensation, brought home the gold in the 71kg women’s category at the Paris Olympics, ending a 24-year drought for the United States. Not only did Reeves win the gold medal, but she also set an Olympic record with a 117kg lift in her debut Olympics!
Reeves’ coach, Mike Gattone, who also serves as Team USA’s coach, exuded confidence about bringing home the gold after thoroughly researching her competitors. His investigation revealed that no standout weightlifters from China or North Korea were in her category, and the rest fell short of matching her impressive lifting capabilities. “I did a lot of research on everybody else,” Gattone said, “and I’m like ‘My goodness, we ought to win this thing.”
Indeed, Reeves lived up to every expectation with a performance that dazzled and delighted, leaving no room for disappointment. “It’s hard not to when everybody tells you that,” Reeves reflected, “…and is like ‘Gold is yours.’ I was like, ‘I haven’t done anything yet. I’ve still got to compete.”
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Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
What drives Olivia Reeves to keep pushing beyond her Olympic gold?
Passion for the sport
Desire to break records
Personal growth
Inspiration to others
Do you agree with Jeff Teague that Steve Kerr's Team USA is ruining the NBA?
Absolutely
Not at all
Somewhat agree
Undecided
Whats your Perspective on:
Is Olivia Reeves' relentless pursuit of excellence setting a new standard in weightlifting?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Anthony Edwards has a future in music after his Paris Olympics performance?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not at all
Stick to basketball
Do you agree with Bobby Finke's criticism of Team USA's performance?
Absolutely
Somewhat
Not at all
Undecided
Well, Gattone was correct in saying that Reeves appeared out of nowhere, but it will take some time for her to succeed on the lifting platform. As he said in an interview earlier “Olivia has been a special lifter from the beginning, but no one could have predicted all this would happen.” Well, Reeves’ disciplined approach to training and lifestyle is precisely what has set her apart from the start.
Steve Fauer has been Reeves’ weightlifting coach since the beginning. He remarks, “She’s always made the right decisions.” As Fauer explained, Reeves’ dedication to her diet and her early bedtime of 9 p.m., even if her buddies might stay up until 10 or 11 p.m., are qualities that are highly encouraging for a full-time strength athlete.
Well, the hard work paid well! As the “Star-Spangled Banner” played and the U.S. national anthem swelled in the background, with the gold medal gleaming around her neck, Olivia Reeves experienced a moment of unparalleled triumph and pride. But, her journey is far from over, even after this triumphant victory! What new horizons does she aspire to explore? Let’s uncover what lies ahead for her.
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“that’s why I still love the sport” – Future plans of Olivia Reeves
What’s your perspective on:
Is Olivia Reeves' relentless pursuit of excellence setting a new standard in weightlifting?
Have an interesting take?
Born on April 19, 2003, in Lexington, Kentucky, Olivia Reeves could hardly have imagined herself standing on the Olympic stage, let alone claiming the top spot. Introduced to weightlifting early, thanks to her parents, who owned a gym, Reeves found her passion as early as elementary school.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, “When I started doing this, the goal was to just get as strong as I can. That’s what’s fun for me is seeing how much weight I can put on the bar and training every day and getting better.” Her personal coach, Steve Fauer, who guided her after her move to Chattanooga and through his weightlifting seminars, has been a crucial force in helping her achieve this remarkable goal.
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As we eagerly anticipate the unfolding of her athletic journey, one thing is certain: Olivia Reeves has the potential to rise as a distinguished weightlifter from the U.S. With her unyielding spirit and relentless drive, she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, promising a future rich with remarkable achievements!
Debate
Is Olivia Reeves' relentless pursuit of excellence setting a new standard in weightlifting?