Weightlifting Legends: Jim Schmitz and Leo Totten reflect on weightlifting History
- Totten Training Systems
- Mar 31
- 1 min read
In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo is joined by his longtime friend and legendary coach Jim Schmitz for a lively and insightful conversation! Jim is a renowned figure in American weightlifting, having developed multiple Olympians and national champions, and played a pivotal role both on and off the platform.
Together, Leo Totten and James Schmitz take us on a journey through the history and evolution of Olympic weightlifting in the U.S.—with plenty of stories, laughs, and a few friendly jabs about wine and old rivalries.
In this episode, Leo and Jim cover:
How Leo and Jim met—throwback to the 1978 Junior Nationals!
Jim’s beginnings in strength sports and what drew him to weightlifting
The challenges of early training environments and finding quality equipment
Starting Sports Palace and building a powerhouse team on the West Coast
Coaching philosophies: Developing lifters from scratch to Olympians
Pioneering women’s weightlifting in the U.S. and Title IX’s impact
Historic rivalries with York Barbell and growing the sport
The importance of administrative roles, growing participation, and tough decisions as USAW President
Reflections on international weightlifting, Olympic politics, and doping
The value of history, legacy, and learning from the past
This episode is packed with rich history, practical wisdom for lifters and coaches, and a genuine love for the sport!
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