This is a recap of an eventful and emotional weekend for our team at the USAW 2024 American Open Finals! It’s inspiring to see the perseverance, camaraderie, and growth demonstrated by athletes and coaches.
2024 AOF Recap
The 2024 USAW American Open Finals (AOF) in Tucson, AZ, are officially in the books! The weekend brought a mix of triumphs and challenges, but our team emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined as we prepare for high school season and USAW Nationals in June.
Bryson Brown (61kg Youth Division)
Bryson, fresh off the football season, had limited time to prepare but still managed to PR in both lifts and his competition total. Unfortunately, he narrowly missed the 61kg weight class by half a pound, competing instead in the 67kg division. Despite this, Bryson placed 5th overall and earned a bronze medal in the clean and jerk, going up against athletes 10 pounds heavier. His performance drew the attention of several college coaches, leaving his future bright and full of possibilities.
Maddie & Mckenzy from Full Send Oly
It was an honor to coach these two driven sisters.
- Maddie (13 years old) impressed everyone by increasing her total by an incredible 21kg, earning an all-around silver medal.
- Mckenzy, a Team USA athlete, solidified her spot on the 2025 World Team with a massive 85kg snatch PR—the second-highest in the world for her age and weight. She claimed silver overall, gold in the snatch, and bronze in the clean and jerk. Their determination and growth were inspiring to witness.
Kieven (73kg B Session)
Kieven came into the AOF looking strong and focused but unfortunately was unable to complete a snatch on the platform. Despite this setback, he showed his warrior spirit by successfully posting a clean and jerk before mutually deciding with his coaches to withdraw. His resilience and humility are a testament to his character.
Media & Coaching Highlights
Coach Zeek and Coach Cassie captured incredible moments for athletes across multiple teams, while Coach Joey had the honor of assisting Lindenwood College athletes and other sessions. Among the highlights:
- Team friend and Mako coach Aaron smashed big weights and claimed medals.
- Lindenwood’s Calvin Lackey went 6/6, earning a Senior podium spot for the first time.
- Jackson Lenore hit a 14kg PR and secured a podium spot with a flawless 6/6 performance.
Izzy’s AOF Debut (Youth Women’s Division)
Izzy faced an emotional rollercoaster in her debut after being sidelined from Pan Ams due to a paperwork issue. She PR’d her snatch by 3kg and nearly hit an all-time best at 86kg. However, after missing her first two clean and jerk attempts, she nailed the third only to have it controversially ruled a no-lift. Despite the heartbreak, Izzy showed incredible resolve and vowed to come back stronger.
Chase (102+ Youth Division)
At just 16 years old, Chase had a stellar day, taking home two silvers and a bronze. With football season now behind him, he’s focused on crushing the high school season and earning a spot on Team USA at Nationals.
Manny (Super Heavyweight Junior Division)
Manny closed out our weekend with a dominant performance, sweeping gold in the junior division. He delighted the crowd—including his extended family from Tucson—with a competition PR clean and jerk, providing an unforgettable show.
Reflection & Looking Ahead
The AOF gave us unforgettable memories, valuable lessons, and moments of both elation and heartbreak. Our team returns to Florida humbled, inspired, and eager to grow. We’re setting our sights on Nationals in June with a bigger, stronger team. Stay tuned—2024 holds big things for us!
That’s a wrap from Tucson—until the next American Open Finals!
