NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY

Mark Morthier
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NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY

My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3RHV1oW (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless!

  1. John Davis: An American Weightlifting Legend

    20H AGO

    John Davis: An American Weightlifting Legend

    NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY When I first started competing in Olympic Weightlifting in 1981, I wanted to learn about the sport's history and the men who made it great. I read all the lifting magazines I could find, and one of the first lifters I read about was John Davis.  Davis’ weightlifting career spanned from 1937 to 1956, and his accomplishments are beyond impressive. Davis was born on Jan 12, 1921, in Smithtown, New York, but grew up in Brooklyn. Davis began competing in 1937 in some local meets. One year later, he shocked the weightlifting world by winning the gold medal at the 1938 World Weightlifting Championships in Vienna, Austria, at just 17 years old in the 82.5 kilo/181.8 lbs weight class. At the time, he was the youngest weightlifter ever to win a world title..... You can read the full blog post here. SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless! CHECK OUT YESTERDAY'S SPORTS (MY ORIGINAL SHOW) Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below. No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

    13 min
  2. Stefan Botev: The Unforgettable Story of a Weightlifting Phenomenon

    MAR 5

    Stefan Botev: The Unforgettable Story of a Weightlifting Phenomenon

    NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY One of my favorite weightlifters to watch was Stefan Botev. Botev was born on Feb.14, 1968, in Harmanli, Bulgaria, and was coached by the legendary Ivan Abadzhiev. Stefan stood 5' 11 (180 centimeters) and competed in the 110 kilo/242 lbs weight class. Later in his career, he moved up to the Superheavyweight class but was light for that class, usually weighing no more than 120 kilos/264 lbs. His list of achievements is quite impressive. In 1987, at nineteen, he broke the World Record in the clean and jerk, lifting 250 kilos/551 pounds, and won a silver medal at the European Championships. He won the silver medal again at the 1988 European..... You can read the full blog post here. SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless! CHECK OUT YESTERDAY'S SPORTS (MY ORIGINAL SHOW) Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below. No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

    16 min
  3. The Inspiring Comeback of Weightlifter Tim Caso

    FEB 19

    The Inspiring Comeback of Weightlifter Tim Caso

    NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY Like many weightlifters, Tim started weight training to get bigger and stronger for football. Tim played defensive tackle and guard for West Essex High School in New Jersey and was good enough to make All-State. He joined the Belleville Barbell Club in New Jersey in 1978 and set his sights on competitive weightlifting. In his first competition, he snatched 90 kilos/198 lbs and clean & jerked 120 kilos/264 lbs at 190 lbs bodyweight. You can read the full blog post here. SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless! CHECK OUT YESTERDAY'S SPORTS (MY ORIGINAL SHOW) Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below. No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

    52 min
  4. Chicago's Weightlifting Legend: Mark Level

    FEB 5

    Chicago's Weightlifting Legend: Mark Level

    NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY As with many weightlifters, Mark's interest in the sport began with watching weightlifting on the Wide World of Sports on ABC television. Mark remembers watching Vasily Alekseyev become the first man to clean & jerk 500 lbs in 1970. This piqued Mark's interest, and he began reading some Strength & Health magazines his older brother handed down to him.... You can read the full blog post here. SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless! CHECK OUT YESTERDAY'S SPORTS (MY ORIGINAL SHOW) Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below. No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

    51 min

  5. JAN 24

    Weight Training For People With Limited Time

    NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Mark Morthier debunks common myths about weight training and provides practical advice for those looking to start or improve their weight training routine. Mark is a certified personal trainer with 16 years of experience in Olympic lifting and Powerlifting and shares insights on how to train effectively without spending endless hours at the gym. Check out the article on the Sports History Network Key Takeaways: Time Efficiency: Weight training doesn't require hours at the gym. Effective training can be achieved with a well-structured routine.Listen to Your Body: Understand the difference between discomfort and pain, and avoid overtraining to prevent injuries.Recovery: Not everyone recovers at the same rate. Pay attention to your body's signals and adjust your training accordingly.Personalization: One size doesn't fit all. Customize your training routine to fit your personal goals and lifestyle.Realistic Goals: Set challenging yet attainable goals and be honest about what you want to achieve with weight training.Specialization: Decide which form of weight training suits you best - Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, or Olympic Weightlifting.Competition: Consider whether you want to compete and choose the form of lifting that brings you the most satisfaction.Core Benefits: Weight training is fundamentally about getting stronger and gaining muscle, with additional benefits like speed, flexibility, and coordination. Exercises Highlighted: Full Depth SquatsTraditional DeadliftOverhead PressIncline/Flat Bench PressPower CleansSitupsAdditional exercises include Front Squats, Leg Extensions, Leg Curls, Hanging Knee Raises, Wide Grip Lat Pulldowns, Upright Rows, Pull-Ups/Chin-Ups, Parallel Bar Dips, and Wrist Rolls. SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter,

    13 min
  6. Mike Listro's Weightlifting Legacy: Strength, Determination, and Breaking Records

    09/26/2024

    Mike Listro's Weightlifting Legacy: Strength, Determination, and Breaking Records

    NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY Mike Listro began lifting weights in his basement at thirteen after watching the movie Rocky. He started training on the Olympic lifts without coaching in 1978 after watching a weightlifting competition on the T.V. show Wide World of Sports. He picked up training tips from Strength & Health magazine. In February of 1980, as a spectator, Mike went to a weightlifting competition at the Belleville Barbell Club. He spoke with coach Bucky Cairo, and the next thing he knew, he was lifting in his first competition at the McBurney YMCA in New York City the next day..... You can read the full blog post here. SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless! CHECK OUT YESTERDAY'S SPORTS (MY ORIGINAL SHOW) Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below. No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

    59 min
  7. Interview with George Pjura - The Weightlifting Ageless Wonder

    09/12/2024

    Interview with George Pjura - The Weightlifting Ageless Wonder

    NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY Few sports fans have heard of George Pjura. One reason is that Olympic Weightlifting is not a highly popular sport in the USA. Another reason is that George is humble and speaks little of his achievements. But those who know weightlifting know who George is. I've known George for roughly forty years, and we've trained together numerous times. I enjoy training with him because his approach to training is much like mine: no-nonsense and 100% focused! But training with him could also get a little frustrating because I wasn't on the same level as him. Although we were in the same weight class back then, it was hard to keep up with him because he was lifting heavier weights than me. I was an average Olympic lifter, maybe slightly above average. George was, and still is, a top-level lifter. We've remained friends throughout the years, and I decided to write an article about him and ask him for an interview...... You can read the full blog post here. SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless! CHECK OUT YESTERDAY'S SPORTS (MY ORIGINAL SHOW) Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below. No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

    31 min
  8. 1980- The Fourth "World's Strongest Man Competition"

    08/29/2024

    1980- The Fourth "World's Strongest Man Competition"

    NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY 1980 would mark the fourth annual Worlds Strongest Man Competition. But this year's event would not occur in California like the past three years. This year's competition occurred in Vernon Valley/Great Gorge, New Jersey. Ten men would compete, with four men hailing from outside the U.S. Four of the ten men were returning from last year's competition. Check out the article on the Sports History Network SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. No Nonsense, Old School Weightlifting book (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless! CHECK OUT YESTERDAY'S SPORTS (MY ORIGINAL SHOW) Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below. No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

    17 min
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About

My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History Network. As many of you know from reading my articles and listening to my podcasts, I am not only an avid weightlifter but a fan of the sport as well. I’m excited to share my newest adventure, a show dedicated to promoting weightlifting, while also looking back at some weightlifting history. I’ll share some of my own stories and interview weightlifters from both past and present. I competed in Olympic Weightlifting from 1981 to 1989 and powerlifting from 2011 to 2019. Although I wasn’t what one might call “a naturally gifted lifter,” I managed to clean & jerk 140 kilos/308 lbs at 179 lbs body weight. In my later years, I achieved a 600-pound deadlift and a 431-pound front squat in my mid-fifties. Although I was more successful in powerlifting, setting New Jersey and New York State records in Masters Competitions, I’ll always consider myself an Olympic Weightlifter. I’ve also written a book on weight training titled No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training, which is available on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3RHV1oW (Amazon affiliate link) I hope that you will enjoy the show, and please leave a comment or offer a suggestion. And if you’re an Olympic lifter, past or present, let me know if you’d like to set up an interview, and I’ll do my best to have you on the show. Stay strong and God bless!

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