Walter Imahara Louisiana Strength and Power HoF inductee 2022

By Strength and Power Hall of Fame

Walter is originally from California but moved to Louisiana at about 4 years old. Walter started lifting in the late 1950’s and was an international class lifter and later in life an international class master lifter. Walter was also prominent as an administrator for USA Weightlifting and the IWF.

1^st 132lb class 1959 Jr. Nationals. Established a Jr. National record in the Snatch 221.5lbs

2^nd 132lb class 1959 Senior Nationals

3^rd 132lb class 1960 Senior Nationals

1^st 132lb class 1962 Senior Nationals

1^st 132lb class 1963 Senior Nationals

2^nd 132lb class 1964 Senior Nationals

1^st 132lb class 1965 Senior Nationals

1^st 132lb class 1966 Senior Nationals

1^st 132lb class 1967 Senior Nationals

1^st 132lb class 1968 Senior Nationals

1^st 132lb class 1967 Pan American Games

4^th 132lb class 1967 Pre Olympics**

1^st 148lb class 1968 YMCA Nationals

Masters Career

25 X National Champion

16 X Pan American Champion

10 X World Champion

 

Hall of Fame

USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame

Masters Weightlifting Hall of Fame

 

Administration

American Masters Chairman

IWF Masters Chairman for 20 years.

 

** “The Pre-Olympic games were held in Mexico City to test the facilities for next year’s Olympic Games. In reality, these Pre-Olympic Games amounted to a World Championship in Weightlifting as the 1967 Championships were canceled when Tokyo would not agree to let certain countries carry their flags in the opening ceremonies.” December 1967 Strength and Health Magazine.

** “The Little Olympics differed very little from the Olympic Games, except in the total number of contestants. Practically all the best lifters in the world were present in Mexico City.” January 1968 Strength and Health Magazine p.48. “Little Olympics” Action Report Part 1 by Bob Hoffman. 

Author: By Strength and Power Hall of Fame Completed: yes Created: Tue Feb 22 15:52:06 UTC 2022 | Last Updated: Thu Dec 28 14:21:24 UTC 2023