Blogs from Contributors:
"Dave's Faves" by Dave Yarnell
See more in our "Conversations Over Coffee" section.
See more in our "Conversations Over Coffee" section.
Dave Yarnell is a top historian in the powerlifting world. "Dave's Faves" includes historical events, experiences, anecdotes, and more.
Check out his website for his books and more, plus his Forgotten Strength Secrets page on Facebook.
See more in our "Conversations Over Coffee" section.
See more in our "Conversations Over Coffee" section.
See more in our "Conversations Over Coffee" section.
Conversations Over Coffee
"Conversations Over Coffee" is the cornucopia of accounts of events, anecdotes, stories, etc. about the USPF from various contributors. Let us know if you would like to be a contributor! USPFtheLegend@aol.com
Beginnings with the USPF (More coming soon!)
Official autonomy beginning...
Official autonomy beginning...
Official autonomy beginning...
This was provided by Steve Zarella (son of the first USPF President, Joe Zarella). It is the first USPF Corporation filing.
First USPF Logo
Official autonomy beginning...
Official autonomy beginning...
Shown is a replica patch of the first USPF logo.
Powerlifting
First USPF President
First USPF President
Single Ply Powerlifting (Full Power with all three lifts) was the only available Division offered in the beginning. Single lift divisions, MultiPly, and Raw were not yet created.
Single Ply was more like Raw in the early years as the gear was in the early stages.
First USPF President
First USPF President
First USPF President
The first USPF President, Joe Zarella.
(Followed by Conrad Cotter, Sandy King, Peter Thorn, Jan Shendow, Peary Rader, David Jeffrey, Lance Karabel, & Sheri Hartmann)
Women in the USPF (More coming soon!)
First Women's Championships
First Woman elected to EC & Pioneer of Women's Powerlifting
First Woman elected to EC & Pioneer of Women's Powerlifting
The first Women's Nationals was in 1977 and the first Women's World Championships was three years later in 1980. Thank you, Joe Zarella, the "Godfather of Women's Powerlifting." (Photo provided by Steve Zarella.)
First Woman elected to EC & Pioneer of Women's Powerlifting
First Woman elected to EC & Pioneer of Women's Powerlifting
First Woman elected to EC & Pioneer of Women's Powerlifting
Jan Todd (pictured on the Johnny Carson show) was a pioneer in and instrumental in implementing women's powerlifting.
She was the first woman to be elected to the Executive Commitee and have lifts of Squat 500+, Deadlift 400+, and Total 1200+.
Click here for one of many articles about Jan Todd.
First Woman Powerlifter in CA Police Olympics
First Woman elected to EC & Pioneer of Women's Powerlifting
First Woman Powerlifter in CA Police Olympics
In 1980, Danni Hawks (formerly Hartmann Eldridge) (front right) was the first female officer to compete in any type of CA Law Enforcement Olympics powerlifting events. Since there was no category for women, she had to compete against the men and placed a strong fourth place in her weight class.
Danni went to the CA Police Athletic Federation to settle this discrimination but was told a female division would only be created if she brought a team of women to compete. She recruited and/or trained a group of women for the next CA Police Olympics and the Women's Division in powerlifting was created in 1981.
The following year Danni was awarded Los Angeles Sheriff's Department’s “Outstanding Athlete of the Year” presented by Sheriff Block. (She may have also been the first female to receive this prestigious award.)
Click here for Danni's webpage.
First Teen Ambassador
Youngest Lifter in USPF History
First Woman Powerlifter in CA Police Olympics
In 2022, Jimmie Brownfield was the first appointed USPF Teen Ambassador. She was also the youngest USPF Referee in USPF history.
Click here for our Memorial Tribute to Jimmie Brownfield.
Youngest Lifter in USPF History
Youngest Lifter in USPF History
Youngest Lifter in USPF History
On February 10, 2024, Paisyn Crain, who just turned 9 years old, is the youngest lifter in USPF history. She deadlifted an incredible 105 lbs at a bwt of 52 lbs. Paisyn is also 4th generation in the Crain powerlifting legacy.
RICKEY DALE CRAIN
February 18, 1953 - October 2, 2024
We are saddened (and shocked) by the passing of a legacy Legend and one of our USPF Board of Directors Members, Rickey Dale Crain. Rickey was an inductee in both the USPF Hall of Fame and York Barbell Hall of Fame. Powerlifting USA magazine had labeled him the G.O.A.T. powerlifter in the 165 lb bwt class. He was a 5-time World Champion, multiple National Champion, and made/broke numerous World, National, and State Records. Rickey was still active in ALL aspects of powerlifting. Our sincerest condolences to his family.