Latest news with #USANationals
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-Big Brother star seeks backing for Deaflympics journey
LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) — Matt Klotz, a USA Nationals' deaf swimming athlete and LSU Tiger alumni, is seeking public support to fund his trip to the Deaflympics in Tokyo this November. According to GoFundMe, Matt Klotz was the first-ever deaf contestant featured on Big Brother 25, where he shared his struggles growing up; people told him he would never succeed. Organizer Linda Klotz says the 2023 deaf world record holder has his eyes set on the 4th Deaflympic meet. However, according to the American Deaf Swim Team, 'deaf sports do not receive any financial support from the US Olympic Committee or Federal Government.' Louisiana teen overcomes train wreck, spinal injuries to graduate 'Swimming became his focus and motivation in a world where he did not believe in himself because others didn't.' Linda Klotz says, 'He never gave up and earned his BS in Kinesiology from LSU, where he swam as a D1 athlete. He has competed many times in USA Nationals, USA Olympic Trials, and the Deaflympics representing Team USA.' She details that the trip will cost approximately $10,000 in fees, training, equipment, and travel expenses. The GoFundMe is set at $4,000. Linda says if individuals prefer to donate for a tax-deductible expense, they can make a donation to the United States Deaf Swimming Team and add 'IN HONOR OF MATT KLOTZ' in the notes so he receives the funding support. The Deaflympics, taking place from November 15 to 26, 2025, in Tokyo. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chipley's Renfro becomes program's first state champ
CHIPLEY, Fla. (WMBB) – Chipley High School senior weightlifter, Jaci Renfro took home gold at the FHSAA State Championships, becoming the first state champ in program history. Renfro won the 129-pound weight class in the Olympic event by lifting a total of 345 pounds. She medaled at State in both her sophomore and junior seasons but this was her first gold medal and she says it was the perfect way to end her high school weightlifting career. 'After the past three years, I got silver my second year and bronze my third year, so it feels good to get first place for my last,' Renfro said. 'I was very joyful but I was also crying because it was like a sad moment and a happy one at the same time. For it to be my last one and hit that lift, I couldn't have done it without God.' Renfro says she does not plan to compete in college but she will compete at USA Nationals this summer, trying to improve upon her third-place finish in 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
