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Hixson’s Olivia Reeves becomes first American in 66 years to win weightlifting world title and Olympic gold

Olivia Reeves of the United States lifts in the women's 81kg weightlifting event at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Olivia Reeves of the United States lifts in the women's 81kg weightlifting event at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) Olivia Reeves of the United States lifts in the women's 81kg weightlifting event at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

By Cameron McKeon 3 min read

Olivia Reeves is on top of the world. Again.

The 21-year-old weightlifter from Hixson won the World Weightlifting Championship in Bahrain on Wednesday, becoming the first American in 66 years to win both a world title and an Olympic gold medal.

“You can’t top the Olympics, so this one is going in at No. 2 on my all-time list of favorite competitions,” Reeves said to the International Weightlifting Federation after the victory.

In advance of the competition in Bahrain, Reeves was asked about the world championships in an interview with the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

“What if I’m not in shape to do anything?” Reeves said in August. “And, I don’t know, I’m an Olympic champion, but I don’t want to embarrass myself and go out there and only make 110.”