The 2-time Olympian, Oscar Chaplin III, recently passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia, at the young age of 41.
Chaplin is considered one of the greats of his era in American weightlifting after competing in 2 Olympic Games plus setting and holding numerous American records.
WHO IS OSCAR CHAPLIN?
Oscar Chaplin III was born in Savannah, Georgia, on February 22, 1980. Chaplin took to weightlifting and soon joined Team Savannah in the 1990s. He represented the U.S. in the 81 kg and 85 kg classes at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. Chaplin still holds the record in the 81 kg weight class for his 150kg snatch that he performed in 1998.
One highlight of Chaplin's career was winning a gold medal at the 2000 Junior World Olympics, a record that stood for 16 years. Chaplin was well-loved and respected in the weightlifting community as he moved on to become a coach after he retired from the sport. He trained up-and-coming athletes at the Olympic Training Center Community Program. In 2016 Chaplin was inducted into the weightlifting Hall of Fame.
OSCAR CHAPLIN III WEIGHTLIFTING
A brief look at some of his best finishes and accomplishments:
- American record holder: (77 kg class Snatch @ 157.5kg (347.2lbs) & 85 kg class Snatch @ 166 kg (365.9lbs)
- 2000 Junior World Championships 77kg, - 1st
- 1999 Junior World Championships 77kg, - 3rd
- 2000 Olympic Games, 77kg – 12th
- 2004 Olympic Games, 85kg – 10th
OSCAR CHAPLIN III DEATH
Chaplin was regarded as someone who led by example, and Phil Andrews, the CEO of USA weightlifting, said:
"Oscar was not only an outstanding athlete, a legend of his era, but also a great coach and, most importantly, a wonderful human being. He leaves a big hole in our sport and our hearts, including my own. While our first and foremost thoughts are for Oscar, Jim, and the rest of the Chaplin family, we encourage those affected in any way by Oscar's loss to reach out for support with grief and wellness at this challenging time for our community."
At this time, the cause of death is unknown to the public.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Chaplin will surely be missed by many, both in and outside of the weightlifting community. SET FOR SET sends its condolences to Chaplin's family, friends, and loved ones.
Kiel DiGiovanni
Author