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Gary Valentine

Gary Valentine.webp

Gary Valentine (Born 1957)
Inducted 2023


Gary Valentine began his weightlifting career in 1979. In addition to being an accomplished competitor, Gary has made significant contributions to the sport of Olympic Weightlifting as a professor, Coach, LWC President, and USAW Meet Director.

 

He is currently the head coach at Team Connecticut Weightlifting Club. Gary earned a BA (1979) in Business Administration from University of Connecticut followed by a
Masters Degree (1983) in Exercise Testing and Training from UCONN Storrs. Gary went on to a career in Cardiac Rehabilitation working at both Stamford Hospital and Griffin Hospital. During this time not only was he advancing his weightlifting career but shared his expertise as an educator exercise science at Sacred Heart University and Southern State University. He is currently an adjunct professor in Exercise Science at Southern CT State University.

 

He is a lead educator for USAW teaching Level 1 and 2 coaching course as well running seminars and coaching through his company Valentine Strength LLC.

 

Gary’s impressive weightlifting accomplishments include:

  • 2 USAW Senior National Championships (age 41 and 43)

  • 5 National Masters Championships – 4 Gold, 1 Silver

  • 6 American Masters Championships – All Gold

  • 5 Pan American Masters Championships – All Gold

  • 4 World Masters Championships - 2 Gold, 2 Bronze.

  • 2 Masters World  Records:

    • 2002 Masters World Record Clean and Jerk, 153 kg, 45-49, 105 kg Class

    • 2013 Masters World Record Clean and Jerk, 146 kg, 55-59, 105+Class

Gary was a USAW Meet Director running 71 competitions (2005-2020), past president of Connecticut Local Weightlifting Committee (2012-2021), and USAW Sanctioned Meet Director (2005-present). Since 1979 Gary has committed himself to the sport as an athlete, volunteer, coach and leader.

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