Wes Kitts in Paris Olympics

Wesley Kitts, a 34-year-old weightlifter, is set to compete for Team USA in the 102-kilogram division at the Paris Olympics, striving to honor his late father while breaking a long-standing gold medal drought for the U.S. in weightlifting. Kitts, who graduated from Austin Peay State University in 2013, attributes his mental toughness and preparation for Olympic competition to his time as an NCAA football player. He finished eighth in the Tokyo Olympics and holds five senior American records across two weight classes, aiming to improve his performance this time. Kitts expressed his pride in representing the USA, stating it's one of the greatest honors he could have. Additionally, he shared his thoughts on the controversial opening ceremony, finding it perplexing and not to his taste. The 102-kilogram weightlifting competition is scheduled to begin on August 10th.