John McGovern Reelected To USA Weightlifting Board Of Directors
by USA Weightlifting
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Weightlifting today announced the reelection of elite athlete John McGovern to the USA Weightlifting Board of Directors. One of two National Team Athlete Directors on the board, McGovern began his first term in 2020; he will serve a four-year term starting Jan. 1, 2023.
The 30-year-old San Diego resident has spent the past decade representing the United States both on and off the platform, having recently completed his final tour with the U.S. Navy after five years as a Mass Communication Specialist. In the sport of weightlifting, McGovern placed fourth at the 2014 Pan American Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; he also competed at the 2012 IWF Junior World Championships in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, and the 2015 IWF Grand Prix in Fuzhou, China.
“I'm humbled and excited to serve on the board for a second term,” said McGovern, who was elected by athletes who have represented the U.S. at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, IWF World Championships or Pan American Championships over the prior 10 years. “It's been my hope to contribute a small part in helping our athletes achieve the international success I know they are capable of and show the general populace what a fun and life-changing sport Olympic weightlifting can be. Feel free to reach out! Let's grow this sport stronger and safer together.”
The 2014 U.S. champion at 85kg – and a medalist at the 2013 and 2015 U.S. championships plus the 2014 and 2015 American Open events, McGovern has continued giving back to the sport since his competition days ended. In addition to serving on the board, he is a USAW Level 2 coach, a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission and an ex-officio member of the Athletes’ Advisory Council.
The USAW Board consists of 12 directors, two each for the following categories: At Large, Coach and Technical, Elite Athlete, Grassroots, Independent, National Team Athlete. Board members serve staggered terms, with elections for six of the roles occurring every two years. The first National Team Athlete election marks the fourth position to be determined this fall; remaining are the election for a female National Team Athlete Director and one Independent Director.