Johnny Graham
Women's Hall of Fame - 2007
Born:
10 August 1952 - Daytona Beach, FL.
Currently:
live in Killeen, TX
Education:
BS in Health and Physical Education - U of FL
MS Exercise Physiology - U of Perdue in Indiana
Career:
20 years Retired Army Master Sergeant
2 Bronze Stars Purple Hearts
3 Meritorious Service Medals
Joint Service Commendation
7 Army Commendations
Jump Master
Ranger
Special Forces Qualified
Expert Marksman/Sniper
Family:
Married 24 years: wife, Elke - 3 daughters - Trakina, Jennifer, Monique
Powerlifting Details:
What is your athletic background?
- Played football for the U of Florida for 4 years, drafted by the Miami Dolphins.
- Coached HS football for Department of Defense Dependant Schools Europe (1980-1982)
- Started weightlifting in high school doing the bench-press and clean & jerk
How did you get interested in Powerlifting?
Always loved lifting weights and started with Olympic lifting at 16 years old. Started powerlifting in the mid 70's, got away from it, and dabbled in bodybuilding for a few years. Started back into powerlifting in 1983 while stationed in Fort Knox, KY. Jim Hart was the one who talked me back into the sport while I was a Drill Sargent at Fort Knox. Have been involved in the sport since then.
You wear many hats in this sport, what do you see as your role in powerlifting?
A person for the members/lifters. I want to let the members know, they have a voice for them and you can ALWAYS talk to me. This organization is built on many people giving their time and effort and I want them to know we appreciate their efforts.
What are some of your lifting accomplishments?
You may find this strange, but I can't tell you how many Nationals or World Championships I have. I just love the sport, and the people around it. So I guess my biggest accomplishments are just meeting the great people in this sport, and helping them whenever I can. I guess I am proud that I have the ability to continue in this sport at a high level.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your powerlifting career?
Winning the 2006 Masters World Championships. This meet was in my home town and the first time my family has seen me lift at a World Championships.
What is your most memorable powerlifting event?
The 2006 Masters Worlds. Being home and winning, and watching the USA teams win all 5 world titles. Also, just watching the lifting of Tony Harris, Harriett Hall, Ellen Stein, Brad Gillingham, and many others was awesome.
Who are your biggest influences in powerlifting?
Lanette Lopez - the person who worked me back into shape after a 3 year layoff and continues to be my coach and right arm whenever needed.
Shawn Cain - the most dedicated person to this organization that I have ever known.
Jim Hart - for talking me back into the sport.
Brother Bennett - for leading the fight for a drug free sport.
How and for what would you like to be remembered for in the sport of powerlifting?
As someone who gave his best to this sport and always had a joke to bring a smile to the members of this sport. I truly believe that a person is not judged by their successes, but by the people who have made them a success.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to the future powerlifters?
Listen, Learn, Laugh, have fun. When you take the sport too seriously, and stop having fun, then you have defeated yourself.
2007 USAPL Women's Hall of Fame Sponsors
The Women's Hall of Fame Committee would like to thank those who sponsored Johnny's induction to the Women's Hall of Fame. Each of the sponsors below played an important part of helping with the induction ceremony held at the USAPL Women's Nationals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, February 17, 2007
- PLGearOnline.com
- Robert Keller
- Titan Support Systems
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