Shreveporter Kendrick Farris Competes Today at the Olympics

Shreveporter Kendrick Farris is one of the U.S. athletes competing in the weighlifting competition at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. He's the only American to make the U.S. squad in weightliting.

He competed for the United States in the 85 kg weight class in 2008 where he placed 8th. At the London Olympic games in 2012 he also competed in the 85 kg weight class and finished 10th, best for an American. The clean and jerk is at 1:30pm today. The snatch is also at 1:30pm.

Farris moves up in weight class this year. He will compete in the 94 kg class. The winner in the London games was Ilya Ilyin

Farris set a record by lifting a total of 377kg to be the top U.S. contender headed to the Olympic Games in Rio. In the clean and jerk, Farris lifted 209 kg, more than twice his own weight.

Farris has this message on his website for all of his fans and supporters:

'I just wanna say thanks… I just wanna say thank you lord for all you’ve done for me' These are the words to one of my favorite gospel songs. I never thought I would make it this far. But with the help and support of my family, friends, coach, team-mates and people with bigger hearts than I would ever imagine in a million years. Much love!

If you would like to help one of our nation's elite athletes who hails from Stoner Hill in Shreveport, click on this link to his Go Fund Me page.

We wish Kendrick the best. We'll be watching and cheering you on!