Olympic Weightlifting Program Offers New Opportunities for South Central Los Angeles Youth
Derrick Johnson, an American record holder in Olympic weightlifting, has established The Kings of Weightlifting, a free after-school program in South Central Los Angeles. The program aims to provide underprivileged youth with physical training, nutrition education, academic support, and mentorship. Johnson, who grew up in a challenging environment in St. Louis, credits weightlifting with giving him discipline and purpose. After losing several former athletes he coached to gun violence, Johnson was motivated to create a safe space for young people facing similar risks.