Meet OTSO member Jeremy Farris:
Jeremy is from Ohio County, Kentucky. He has been a truck driver for 22 years. When it comes to music, Jeremy is an avid “metal head” who enjoys going to concerts. In addition to lifting weights, he enjoys riding motorcycles, hunting, and fishing and skateboarding.
How Jeremy got into weightlifting
When he was 16, coaches took Jeremy to a powerlifting competition where he was a spectator. After that one event, Jeremy started powerlifting and did not look back. As a teenager, he competed in powerlifting before becoming a college football player.
Personal Records and Favorite Lift in OTSO
While in college, Jeremy benched 335 lbs., squatted 560 lbs., and deadlifted 525 lbs. Jeremy competed in the OTSO Records Breakers 5 event held on August 15, 2026. He competed in the Masters 2 level, 308-pound class. His favorite lifts in OTSO are the Standing EZ Curl Bar Lift Curl and the 2-inch Saxon Bar Lift. At the Record Breakers 5 event, Jeremy set a world record with a 131 lb., 2-inch Saxon Bar Lift.
Disability and Recovery
In June 2025, Jeremy lost the ability to walk. He had to have back surgery to relieve nerve pressure that impacted his leg function. Jeremy found himself in a wheelchair and was told by medical professionals that he may never walk again. During the fall of 2025, Jeremy received stem cell therapy. Two months later, he was out of a wheelchair and on crutches. On June 6, 2026, Jeremy was able to compete in a powerlifting meet again. On August 15, 2026, Jeremy set an OTSO world record.
Advice to new weightlifters
Jeremy says that weightlifters form a supportive community. Everyone wants you to achieve your goals and set records. His advice to new weightlifters is to be willing to take advice from veteran lifters. They know what they are doing and are there to help.
What does OTSO competitor and referee Michael Hanlein have to say about Jeremy?
“As someone who’s had the pleasure of both lifting alongside Jeremy and refereeing his lifts several times this past year, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s one of the strongest-willed competitors I’ve met. His story and comeback to the platform this year are an inspiration and a terrific reminder that health and the ability to lift competitively are blessings that we should never take for granted.”
