On Saturday, Dec. 1, Lady’s Island Middle School student Clarence Cummings Jr., who goes by CJ, competed at The American Open in Palm Springs, California. The American Open is the second most prestigious event held by USA Weightlifting (USAW).
At the age of 12, CJ qualified to compete at the event as the youngest competitor. The youngest lifter to ever before qualify was 14-years-old. At the American Open, CJ broke five American records.
Saturday was a perfect day: He went six for mix, making all lifts. His final lift won him the Silver Medal in the competition. With a body weight of 119 lbs., CJ snatched 238 lbs. for his final clean and jerk, a personal record. He was recently featured in the national newsletter for weightlifting for lifting double his body weight at the USAW Youth Nationals in Dearborn, Michigan.
Both Clarence and his brother Omar, who also lifts, have been extended an open invitation to go to Colorado Springs, Co., where they will train at the Olympic Training Center. The boys are both members of the Lady’s Island Baptist Church and are actively involved in the youth department.
