Clark Lawson

From Weights to Grid: How an Olympic Lifting Champion Found His Sport

Clark Lawson spent his college years loading barbells. At Mars Hill University, he competed in Olympic weightlifting after the program launched in 2022 under head coach Jared Carter. But Lawson’s athletic roots ran deeper, as a teenager, he’d already made waves in high-level CrossFit competitions, testing himself against elite youth competitors. Now, in his rookie year with South Beach Palms, the 5’8″, 185-pound utility player is bringing that blend of strength and competitive grit to the Grid.

The Knoxville native never stopped training. After his time at Mars Hill, Lawson became a coach at CrossFit Courageous in his hometown, where he translates what he learned under the barbell into programmed workouts and athlete development. His CrossFit Games athlete profile reflects the caliber of competition he’s navigated. At South Beach Palms, he’ll need every ounce of that experience, the Grid demands athletes who can move through multiple disciplines in a single competition.

For Lawson, activity isn’t just what he does. It’s central to who he is. When he’s not training or coaching, he spends time with family and travels, always looking for the next challenge. That ethos will define his rookie campaign in the Grid.