Today we are joined by Edward Baker of Voodoo Weightlifting to talk about the life and passing of Coach John Coffee.

A pioneer in the sport of weightlifting, John Coffee died on Jan. 22, 2023, at the age of 76. Coffee dedicated more than a half-century to advancing Olympic-style lifting, running the storied Coffee’s Gym from 1980 to 2017 out of Marietta, Georgia. The USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame member is credited with helping develop competitive weightlifting for women in the United States, with his efforts being noticed and admired around the globe as well. The 19-time women’s team champion at the USA Weightlifting National Championships, Coffee’s Gym trained the athletes responsible for 36 of the first 65 medals won by U.S. women at the IWF World Championships. Coffee’s pupils included Olympian Robin Byrd Goad, the most decorated U.S. weightlifter in history with 20 world medals to her name, and fellow world medalists Colleene Colley, Sibby Flowers, and Carla Garrett.

Tune in to hear more about this true legend of our sport. Enjoy the show!