Ken Snell Florida Strength and Power HoF inductee 2023

By Strength and Power Hall of Fame

Brief personal history:
I started lifting and competing in powerlifting at age 16 in 1975. My first meet was the 2nd Annual Temple Hills Open. I took first place in the 114 lb. class. Since then, I have competed in over 200 meets in 48 years.

What led you to your sport:
When I was attending Crossland High School in Temple Hills, Maryland, John Sullivan, a lifter, approached me in the hall and asked me if I wanted to lift in their club(Temple Hills Weightlifting Club). At first, I thought he was talking to someone behind me. He saw me looking around and said he was talking to me. I was kind of shocked about him asking me to lift in their club. John told me they needed lighter lifters for team points. I certainly fit that category, so I agreed to try it. Moving forward 48 years later, I'm still involved in powerlifting, strength training, and being lightweight. Thanks to John and the rest of the THWLC for getting me started and Louis Baltz and the All-American Gym for keeping me going.

Achievements:
World Powerlifting Champion World Deadlift Champion National Powerlifting Champion National Deadlift Champion Regional Powerlifting Champion State Powerlifting Champion State Bench Press Champion State Deadlift Champion

State, National, and World records:
Currently hold World Records in different federations Currently hold National Records in different federations Currently hold Regional Records in different federations Currently hold State Records in different federations

Accomplishments: Best competition lifts in the 114 lb. class: 400 squat, 250 bench press, 465 deadlift(weighing 113 lbs. over 4x body weight). Best competition lifts in the 123 lb. class: 462.7 squat, 280 bench press, 485 deadlift Best training lifts: 480 squat, 285 bench press, 500 deadlift I have been ranked 1st in my weight class twice for having the highest total in the nation. Best competition total 1212 lbs.(10x body weight)

Other activities:
I currently operate the All-American Gym in Lakeland, Florida. Louis Baltz started it on May 19, 1979. It is one of the oldest gyms in the State of Florida. I currently train and coach lifters in overall fitness and powerlifting. I also coach cadets in strength training and conditioning at the Polk State College Law Enforcement Campus. Over the years, I have performed strength exhibitions and seminars at several schools, colleges, and other institutions. I have been featured in Sports Illustrated, Mens Journal, and other national magazines. I have also written several articles on strength training that have been published in various Powerlifting Magazines. I have been an Adjunct Professor, teaching Wellness and Personal Growth and Fitness for over 25 years. I have also helped with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers strength training programs. I was the State Director of Powerlifting for the Special Olympics for several years. I want to say what an honor it is to be inducted into the Florida Strength and Power Hall of Fame. Thank you!

Author: By Strength and Power Hall of Fame Completed: yes Created: Sat Aug 19 03:45:51 UTC 2023 | Last Updated: Sun Dec 24 17:05:10 UTC 2023