Special Guest: Dr. Conor Heffernan Discusses Weightlifting History (Part 1)

NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY

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, host Mark Mortier welcomes a special guest, Dr. Conor Heffernan, lecturer in the Sociology of Sport at Ulster University in Northern Ireland. Dr. Heffernan has written extensively on weightlifting, bodybuilding, powerlifting, and strongman competitions. He contributes to Barbend.com and runs the website physicalculturestudy.com.

The duo delves into the lives and careers of four legendary weightlifters: Paul Anderson, Tommy Kono, Ken Patera, and Naim Süleymanoğlu.

Starting with Anderson, known as the "Superman from the South," they explore his achievements, including his gold medals at the 1955 World Championships and the 1956 Olympics, his brief stint in pro wrestling, and his dedication to the Paul Anderson Youth Home.

Next, they discuss Tommy Kono, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a seven-time World Weightlifting Champion. Kono's incredible career, including his internment during World War II and his transition between bodybuilding and weightlifting, is highlighted. His mental strength and Buddhist faith played a crucial role in his success.

Come back for next week's episode to hear about the careers of Ken Patera and Naim Süleymanoğlu.

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