[2016 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS BEST MALE LIFTER


BEST MALE LIFTER: KENDRICK FARRIS


] By Anna Resman


KENDRICK FARRIS (94KG) SNATCH 168KG/369.6LBS


KENDRICK FARRIS (94KG) SNATCH 164KG/360.8LBS


For anyone watching the 2016 U.S.


Olympic Team Trials, few would argue that two-time Olympian Kendrick Farris’s (Shreveport, La.) final clean and jerk was one of the most memorable lifts. Farris and Norik Vardanian (Colorado


Springs, Colo.), both lifting at 94kg, were neck in neck throughout the competition. Headed into the clean and jerk session, Far- ris trailed Vardanian by 4 kilograms. Farris snatched 168kg, and Vardanian set a new American record with his 172kg snatch. Far- ris nailed 201kg in his first attempt but did not complete 204kg on his second. Varda- nian successfully made 198kg and 202kg, putting him five kilograms ahead of Farris. In the final attempt, they both increased


the weight several times to finally land at 209kg. Vardanian stepped up to the platform first and was unable to finish the lift. All eyes were on Farris as he took the


stage. The crowd watched in amazement as Farris confidently managed the pres- sure and successfully completed the lift. Finishing three kilograms ahead of Varda- nian, this secured the gold medal for Far- ris. Additionally, he set a new American record at 94kg with his total of 377kg and received the best male lifter award. Farris holds four senior American re-


cords – the clean and jerk and total for both 85kg and 94kg – and numerous ju- nior and youth records. He was a mem- ber of the 2015 International Weightlift- ing Federation World Championships team where he placed tenth overall with a 363kg total. In early June, Farris will compete in the


Pan American Championships in Colom- bia and help Team USA fight for an Olym- pic berth. The team needs to place sev- enth or higher to earn a spot at the Games


in Rio. If the team is successful, the berth will go to the male lifter who places the highest in his respective weight category. Farris is a seasoned lifter and as he re-


cently reaffirmed at the Olympic Trials, he knows how to handle the pressure of major competitions. He represented Team USA at the previous two Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012 where he placed eighth and tenth, respectively, in the 85kg category. This experience will once again be


brought to the test when he steps up to the platform in Colombia. Not only will Farris be closely watching the internation- al competition – but also his teammate, Vardanian, who will also be vying for the Olympic berth. There is little doubt that the two will challenge each other to new limits and keep the crowd guessing until the end.


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