Q&A with Olympic weightlifter, Texas state record holder Michael ‘Savage Davidge’
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — His fierceness has earned him the nickname of “Savage Davidge.” A fitting nickname for competitor Michael Rayburn Davidge Jr., a Junior at Carroll Senior High School who competes in football, wrestling, and Olympic weightlifting. Michael currently holds three Texas State Records in the Snatch, Clean & Jerk, and Total in just under two years of competition and has been invited to compete in the Youth World Championships and Youth Pan-American Championships. Outside of competition, he’s simply Michael, a great young man and talented student-athlete.
How did you get started in weightlifting?
Michael Davidge: I was playing football and wrestling at Southlake Carrol and was training at Texan Fitness’ 5QP when the coaches noticed I had natural talent in Olympic Weightlifting. Coach Rob introduced Coach D, a certified USA Weightlifting Coach, to my mom and, as they say, the rest is history.
What achievement are you most proud of in your favorite sport and in school?
Davidge: I’m most proud in my sport of being invited to represent Team USA at the 2022 Youth World Championships and 2022 Youth Pan-American Championships. I’d also add being a Varsity wrestling letterman as a sophomore and making the Varsity football roster. Outside of sports, it’s that I’m close to earning my Eagle Scout rank. All I have left to complete are my final project and two merit badges.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome?
Davidge: At school, I work hard to earn good grades. School doesn’t come easy, but with the extra work I put in, I think I do pretty good and I’m proud of that accomplishment.
What is your goal as it involves your sport?
Davidge: I’d like to represent Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games so I can travel and meet new friends while competing with the world’s greatest.
What are your pre-meet, pre-game rituals?
Davidge: I focus on being the best I can be when it comes to my training.
What do you like to do outside of your competition?
Davidge: I like the outdoors and spending time with my family. I caught the travel bug while living in Germany and have since visited 29 countries (32 total). I’m really an outdoorsman and enjoy hunting, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, and hiking. When I’m not indoors, I enjoy reading about History and Geopolitics and jigsaw puzzles.
What advice would you give someone who wanted to get started?
Davidge: Just grab the barbell! What has also helped me is that you want to find your balance of strength, form, and flexibility.
What do you want others to know about your sport?
Davidge: Olympic Weightlifting is a lifetime sport for everyone.
How would others (teammates, coaches, classmates) describe you?
Davidge: I like to think I’m humble, loyal, and dedicated.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten regarding your sport? Outside of your sport?
Davidge: Inside weightlifting, it is “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” Outside of sports, it would be to “Be yourself.”
Who inspires you or who do you admire (sports or otherwise)? Why?
Davidge: I’ve been blessed with several great influences. I try to find something to emulate in all the people I admire and respect.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.