FEATURE Sports Complex Strong Man: Powerlifter Chris Morgan's Road to Success Jim Provenzano | May 23, 2005 Chris Morgan at the November 2004 World Drug-Free Powerlifting Championship in Atlanta As gay athletes go, Chris Morgan is on top of the world. One of few athletes to come out while competing, the accomplished powerlifter just won the British World Powerlifting Championship, held May 8 in London. Morgan will represent England at the European Championships June 18-19. Currently the record holder for squat, deadlift, and overall weight at any Games, the silver and gold medalist also won a silver medal in the 75-kilo class at his last competition, the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Championship in Atlanta. He's also the first powerlifter to be a Gay Games ambassador, becoming a highly visible athlete in a sometimes misunderstood sport. In powerlifting, the maximum weight lifted in each of the three events is totaled for a final score; lifters compete in bodyweight classes. At national meets, 1800- to 2000-pound totals are common. Challenges for Morgan include injuries in what he calls "the most brutal strength sport in the world" – everything from a rotated hip to popped ribs, ripped hands and shins, and pulled muscles. Unlike athletes in team sports where homophobia has been amply documented, Morgan has suffered little, if at all, from such problems. "I've received many e-mails of support, congratulations, and encouragement both from gay community and 'straight' lifters in the sport," Morgan says. "It really does give me a boost when these things happen." Among his fan correspondence was "a truly inspiring e-mail from a gay U.S. soldier serving in Iraq," he says. "I feel humbled that someone in his circumstances felt inspired by my achievements and decided to contact me." Powerlifting has been a part of each Gay Games since the event's inception in 1982. At the first Games, held in San Francisco, among the medalists was former Olympic shot-putter George Frenn, who was also a co-torch-bearer at the opening ceremonies. "Powerlifting in the gay community is still a very small sport, but is gathering pace," says Morgan, who says about 100 competitors are expected. "The gay community is slowly coming round to the fact that I'm fighting for World Medals, and [they're] starting to get behind me," Morgan says. "It's important to be visible as a gay athlete, but more important not to lose my focus." What sets him apart from most other famous GLBT athletes – who often come out after retiring from professional or elite sports – is that Morgan credits the Games with getting him started. After winning a silver medal in 1998 at Amsterdam's Gay Games V, Morgan continued powerlifting, moving up to elite status within a few years. In the years since then, he's become the top-ranked powerlifter in London, among the top five in England, and one of Great Britain's top 10 powerlifters. Upcoming competitions will keep him busy through 2006. Of his first years, he says, "I was very much the 'gay powerlifter,' very much the novelty. As time has moved on, I've become the powerlifter who happens to be gay. I find the powerlifting community accepting and supportive, and they respect me as a sportsman." Financial realities also played a part in his decision to focus on competition. "There are still very few opportunities for gay athletes for endorsements and sponsorship," says Morgan. "I've faced a lot of choices, and a lot of discipline (I prefer not to call it sacrifice). I've come to understand that World Medals are expensive, and there is a price to be paid. In a number of ways I'm in uncharted water, as I'm the first Gay Games athlete to graduate to world level." Of his Games ambassadorship, he says, "The Games simply changed my life and set me on the road to a career in sports. This is my way of giving back to an organization that means so much to me." Part of his pride is that of being a winner in drug-free competitions. Chicago's Games have instituted testing and rules that reflect those of the international governing body, the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). Powerlifters are required to register for out-of-competition testing 12 months before the event. Those who are not registered will be tested automatically on the day, and will receive their participation medal only. "This may seem a little harsh, but it is necessary to make certain that the competition is fair to all," says Morgan. "I have no issue with people taking steroids," he adds. "That is their personal choice, and that is not for me to judge. However, I do have an issue with people competing in drug-tested or drug-free competitions and saying they are drug-free, when in fact they are not. This is all a matter of integrity. They are cheating; simple as that." Morgan is also working with the IPF and the Federation of Gay Games regarding HIV issues, in cases where participants are taking health-regimen-related steroids or supplements. "We are now in a position to discuss the issue in detail with the IPF and attempt to find a solution." For now, a separate judging category is planned, which gives such lifters a participant, but not competitive, medal. After Chicago, Morgan says he has about 10 more years to focus on competing. "I feel a responsibility to be visible. My particular passion is to encourage the next generation of Gay Games athletes." Jim Provenzano is the author of the novels PINS and Monkey Suits. 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