Totten Talks Podcast
Welcome to "Totten Talks," where hosts Leo Totten and Cait Finn share their wealth of experience in weightlifting, strength and conditioning, and athletics. With over 70 years of combined expertise, Leo and Cait delve into the legacies and life lessons that have shaped their careers and the world of weightlifting. Join Leo and Cait as they provide an engaging, fun, and informative platform for athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about lifting and sports excellence. Tune in for invaluable lessons, corny dad jokes, and a genuine passion for building a lasting legacy in weightlifting and beyond.
Totten Talks Podcast
Weightlifting Legends: Jim Schmitz and Leo Totten Reflect on Lifting History and Coaching Success
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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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