Harrison Skeete (21 October 1921 – 5 April 2008) was a Caribbean-American weightlifter.[1][2]
Biography
editSkeete was born on October 21, 1921, in Trinidad.[3][4][5] He began weightlifting in his teens, competed locally and internationally for Trinidad from the late 1930s till 1955, including at the Pan American Games and the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.[4][5][6]
In 1955, Skeete moved to the United States, where he continued to compete in weightlifting while working for the US Post Office and later as a personal trainer with handicapped Olympics.[4]
In 1998, Skeete was inducted into the United States Masters Weightlifting Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding achievements, which included winning 10 consecutive gold medals and 16 world titles at the World Masters.[4]
Skeete continued to compete in weightlifting in his later years, including participating in the 2000 Senior Olympics.[4]
Skeete also worked as a trainer at North Shore Towers Country Club training movie stars, boxers, as well as FBI staff.[1]
Personal life
editSkeete had a height of 5 feet 10 inches and a weight of 204 pounds. His training regimen involved lifting weights, and he could perform squats with over 300 pounds.[4] As a trainer, he trained young and senior athletes in multiple sports and individuals in their late 80s and 90s, reflecting his belief in the benefits of weightlifting for people of all ages.[4]
Awards and recognition
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Lyons, Jessica (May 5, 2008). "Residents Say Goodbye To Former Towers Trainer". QNS.
- ^ "ISLANDWIDE / Weightlifting Eyes Olympics" – via ProQuest.
- ^ a b https://www.vzpirani.cz/component/phocadownload/category/10-2018?download=2462:2018-iwf-masters-hall-of-fame
- ^ a b c d e f g h Fischler, Marcelle S. (December 19, 1999). "LAt 78, Breaking Barriers in Weight Lifting" – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ a b "TEST Kilgour". Trinidad Express Newspapers. July 8, 2012.
- ^ "The Catholic Northwest Progress 13 August 1954".
- ^ "Hall of Fame". NYWSO.