From June 25-30, 15 Coffee County athletes ages 10-19 lifted in the 2022 USA Weightlifting National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. Athletes were required to make a minimum total specified by USA Weightlifting in a sanctioned meet in order to qualify for the national competition. This year’s team won the team championship in both the Boys 16-17 age division, as well as the Overall Boys Championship.
The 2022 team was led by Micale Smith, Rhett Robinson, Dane Rish, Range Robinson, and Thomas Webb. Micale Smith won the National Championship in the 16-17 age group, 67kg weight class. Smith earned 3 gold medals in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total.
Dane Rish earned the bronze medal in the 16-17 age group, 102+ kg weight class. Dane won 2 bronze medals in the snatch and total.
Range Robinson earned the bronze medal in the 16-17 age group, 81kg class. Range earned 2 bronze medals in the clean and jerk and total.
Rhett Robinson was the national runner-up in the snatch competition and the overall bronze medalist in the Junior age group, 89 kg weight class. Rhett finished with 1 silver medal in the snatch and 2 bronze medals in the clean and jerk and total.
Thomas Webb placed 5th in the Junior Division, 109 kg weight class.
The 2022 National qualifying members for the team were: Noah Booth, Yasmine Gaskin, Conner Gurley, Tripp Lewis, Cole McDuffie, Wyatt Mercer, Chloe Merritt, Layton Parker, Dane Rish, Range Robinson, Reece Robinson, Rhett Robinson, Micale Smith, Scott Smith, and Thomas Webb.
If you are interested in the Coffee Weightlifting program please contact Mike Booth at Michael.booth@coffee.k12.ga.us or follow the team on Facebook and Instagram.