With no proper gym, no coach, and no training partner, it’s just Kolbi Ferguson — his determination, his dreams, and a barbell. The 24-year-old weightlifter is grinding his way toward a shot at Olympic glory in Los Angeles 2028.
“I struggle with a lot, and I beat myself. But if I fix one thing that day, I’m happy — one percent better, that’s all I worry about,” he shared with Weightlifting House.
Ferguson, a former college football player turned elite lifter, will represent the U.S. in the 110kg division at the 2025 IWF World Championships in Førde, Norway (October 2–11).
“I train alone every single day… but if you’re committed and love what you do, you can make it. So don’t give up. Because a lot of folks said I wouldn’t make it this far.”
From the football field to the weight platform, Ferguson’s story is one of grit and self-belief. His journey proves that even without perfect conditions, passion can still lift you higher — one rep, one percent, one dream at a time.
Photo Credit: Getty images.