Three-time U.S. Olympian earns new title, graduates from LSUS

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A U.S. Olympian from Shreveport is adding another title to his belt after graduating from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Three-time U.S. Olympian weightlifter, Kendrick Farris, walked across the Brookshire Grocery Arena stage with a degree concentration in applied and social sciences. “This is the first graduation I’ve taken part in since middle school,” Farris said, “It felt really good.” The U.S. weightlifting record holder thanked LSUS weightlifting coach Dr. Kyle Pierce for encouraging him to finish his education, and said it was great to share an important moment with him.

Farris is the only American male to break two U.S. records in two different weight classes, but now he’s helping young people in the community. Farris is in his first year as a juvenile detention officer in Caddo Parish. “Sometimes people go through things, and they feel like nobody else is going through that. But this is an opportunity to present something different to them, to be an example that maybe they haven’t been exposed to,” said Farris.

He will return to LSUS this summer to host a youth weightlifting program for children and teenagers ages 10-18. The 12-week program will be held from June 3 until August 22 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. If you would like to register, visit caddoparks.org.