Lee James: The Great American Olympic Weightlifter
Manage episode 389710092 series 3537441
NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
If you’re not a fan of Olympic Weightlifting, or a lifter yourself, you’re probably asking who Lee James is? It’s not surprising that one would ask that question because Olympic weightlifting has never been a popular sport in America. Most USA lifters get very little recognition, and they don’t receive compensation for the countless hours they devote to the sport.
Such was the case with Lee James, who won the Silver Medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. No American male lifter has won an Olympic medal since except for Mario Martinez (Silver) and Guy Carlton (Bronze), who both medaled at the 1984 games in Los Angeles. Not to diminish their accomplishment, but Soviet Bloc countries boycotted the 1984 Games.....
Check out the article on the Sports History Network
SHOW BACKGROUND
My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present.
I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon.
No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link)
I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless!
CHECK OUT YESTERDAY'S SPORTS (MY ORIGINAL SHOW)
Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.
No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time
16 episodes