Michael Cohen Georgia Strength and Power HoF inductee 2021

By Strength and Power Hall of Fame

A brief personal history:
Michael Cohen is a native of Savannah, Georgia, son of Howard and Carol Cohen. Michael began lifting weights practically from the crib, as his father was the first gym owner in the area to promote lifting weights for strength in sports. Michael made a name for himself early on as one of the youngest team members on a World Team. Michael went on to make the 1980 Olympic team and then returned in 2000 and 2004 as the head Olympic Coach, having produced several of the Olympic team athletes. Michael is married to Sheryl Cohen, also a weightlifter, and they have 4 children - Michael, Will, Carolyn and Samuel. 

What lead you to your sport:
Michael began weightlifting under the coaching instruction of his father, Howard Cohen, who is also a weightlifter. Michael realized that while his friends who played other sports were excited to travel across the state for competition, he had the opportunity to travel across the globe as a member of Team USA in Olympic weightlifting.

Achievements in your sport:
1975-79 USA Junior World Weightlifting Team 
1977 Maccabi Team (gold)
1980 USA Olympic Team
1981 Maccabi Team (gold)
1981 USA Senior World Team
1982 USA Senior World Team
1983 USA National Champion
1983 USA Pan American Team (silver)
1983 USA Senior World Team
1985 Maccabi Team (gold)
1986 Senior World Team 
1986 USA National Champion 
1986 Goodwill Team
1989 Maccabi Team (gold)
4 Time Olympic Festival Team Member
16 Time USA National Masters Champion
5 Time Pan Am Masters Champion

State, National and World records. 
All time Junior American record in the snatch
Many time Masters record holder

Other accomplishments. 
Michael is the founder and Head Coach of Team Savannah. Michael has produced athletes to medal at all of the following events: Junior Worlds, Senior Worlds, Youth Worlds, Master Worlds, Pan-Am Championships, Pan-Am Games, Junior and Youth Pan American championships, and The Olympics. 

Other activities within the sport i.e. Judge, meet director, trainer, demonstrations, community activities etc.
Michael is Level 5 International Coach with USA Weightlifting and a Cat 2 International Referee. Michael is also chairman of USA Masters weightlifting, following in the footsteps of his father, Howard who was chairman for over 20 years.

Author: By Strength and Power Hall of Fame Completed: yes Created: Sun Jul 04 17:32:15 UTC 2021 | Last Updated: Fri Dec 22 04:16:27 UTC 2023