Chris Morgan takes new world title

Congratulations to Gay Games Ambassador Chris Morgan!

Chris Morgan, the current Gay Games Powerlifting champion has this weekend won his fifth world championship title.

He was lifting in the World Deadlift Championships held in Autun, France where he made lifts of 202.5 kg followed by 220 kg and then 240 kg to win the World Open title in the 82.5-kg class.

Speaking about the competition, Chris said:

‘I’m delighted to have won my fifth world championship title here in France this weekend. This is the first time in my fourteen-year career that I’ve held British Open, European Open, World Open and Gay Games titles all at the same time. This special moment seems ironic considering that only two weeks ago I almost decided not to compete at all due to a series of injuries’.

‘It was only when viewing an old photograph of the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in 1948 that I changed my mind. The photograph carried the words that sometimes the important thing in the Olympic Games is not the winning, but the taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering, but fighting well’

‘This year we all have an amazing opportunity to participate in sports in some way through the Olympic experiences that are happening around us. Even if you are not competing in the Olympic games there is in fact a way which you can contribute to an equal fairer sports community for all of us’.

‘I’d like to remind you about the UK Government Charter for action against homophobia and transphobia in sports. If you haven't yet signed the charter, please visit the Facebook page [facebook/lgbtsportscharter] or send a message of support to sportscharter@geo.gsi.gov.uk

You'll find a short TV news report (in French) on the competition HERE.