Lee James Mississippi Strength and Power HoF inductee 2023

By Strength and Power Hall of Fame

Lee James Jr.

10/31/1953-2/11/2023

 

Lee started lifting at 15 in 1969. Lee began training to gain weight and size for high school sports. However, once Lee discovered Weightlifting he discovered his true passion. Lee won many local, state and regional meets early in his career. Lee had no formal coaching until he was able to train at York Barbell. Lee was in the Army and Bob Crist National Weightlifting Chairman and John Terpak of York Barbell persuaded the Army to allow Lee to train at York. Once at York Dick “Smitty” Smith became Lee’s coach and his lifting immediately improved. Lee earned an Olympic Silver Medal in 1976, won the Pan Am Games in 1975 and was a 2X Senior National Champion. Lee also represented the United States in 2 World Championships and several International tournaments. Lee set several national records during his career and was Weightlifter of the Year in 1976.

 

 

2^nd 181lb class 1974 Junior Nationals

4^th 181lb class 1974 Senior Nationals

8^th 181lb class 1974 World Championships

1^st 181lb class 1975 Philadelphia Open

2^nd 181lb class 1975 Senior Nationals

13^th 181lb class 1975 World Championships

3^rd 198lb class 1975 Pre-Olympic Tournament

3^rd 198lb class 1975 Europe VS America’s

1^st 181lb class 1975 Pan American Games

1^st 198lb class 1976 Senior Nationals

2^nd 198lb class 1976 Olympics

1^st 198lb class 1978 Senior Nationals

4^th 198lb class Friendship Cup

Author: By Strength and Power Hall of Fame Completed: yes Created: Mon May 01 01:02:02 UTC 2023 | Last Updated: Sun Dec 24 17:13:12 UTC 2023