Frank Spellman

:: 6/26/2020: Joseph De Stefano, Gulf Breeze Florida, United States
Frank was an inspiration to all who knew him. I had the pleasure of knowing Frank as a fellow lifter and nearby neighbor for over 35 years while living here in Gulf Breeze, Florida. It was fascinating to hear his stories from the times he spent at the orphanage thru the times he spent in York as a lifter and learning of those individuals who meant so much to him. So many memories and stories he would often share as I intently listened while at his home absorbing them all like a sponge. These were precious moments for me in reliving Frank’s past. He was well loved by all who knew him. Frank, a great listener and soft spoken individual was not one to exaggerate when sharing his wealth of knowledge to those involved in the iron game and on life in general. To Frank “The Man”, may God be with you always and may you find eternal peace and to Frank “The Lifter”, may all your “lights be white”! Well Done!

:: 1/13/2017: Safdar Ali Moontasir, Las Vegas Nevada, USA
I am shocked to read the news that Frank passed away today(1/12/2017). A great person, a legend a very soft spoken who I used to talked to him very often on the phone. In fact, I got to knowing Frank through his elder brother Chuck who was a carpet rep for a carpet mill in Los Angeles. I used to read about his ac omplicements in Strength & Health magazine and I would compare my records with his since I was also lifting in India in the same weight class. I miss him very much and I pray for his soul. May he rest in peace and God give the family the strength to bear this great loss.

:: 1/12/2017: bystander, , sealand
https://www.reddit.com/r/weightlifting/comments/5nkr69/my_grandfather_and_olympic_gold_medal_recipient/

:: 12/18/2014: ralph yoshida, torrance ca, usa
in the early 60's competing in weightlifting contest in so.california, frank Spellman gave some good advice. I've knowned some great weightlifters but none that was willing to be friendly and helful.

:: 5/28/2012: John O. Beck, Fontana Ca, USA
Just a little over a week ago while vacationing and visiting my sister Miriam Johnston in Gulf Breeze, Florida, we went to have lunch and I had the privilege of meeting Frank Spellman for the first time. I understand that at the age of 90 years old this year he is still working out with his weights. He was awe inspiring and motivated me to start working out again at the age of 69 before there comes a time that I won't be able too. It was a pleasure to make his acquaintance. Good job Frank. don't ever give up, hang in there. God Bless. John Beck

:: 10/12/2009: Dave Jaeckels, Abbottstown PA, USA
Frank was my supervisor for a few years while I was with Westinghouse in Pensacola FL. Frank was still lifting in the late 60's and early 70's. He was a good man to work for and set a good example for his team. I have gone to the York Barbell Co. and he is in their Hall of Fame. Way to go Frank!

:: 10/12/2009: Dave Jaeckels, Abbottstown PA, USA
Frand was my supervisor for a few years while I was with Westinghouse in Pensacola FL. Frank was still lifting in the late 60's and early 70's. He was a good man to work for and set a good example for his team. I have gone to the York Barbell Co. and he is in their Hall of Fame. Way to go Frank!

:: 8/10/2008: Arthur Chidlovski, Boston , USA
At the age of 85, Frank Spellman is the oldest living Olympic Weightlifting Champion in the USA. After becoming a successful weightlifter in the early 1940’s, Frank served for three years in the military in WWII. When he was discharged at the end of 1945, Frank moved to what was then Weightlifting Mecca of the US, York, PA. The following year he won his first National Championship and earned a bronze medal at the first postwar World Championship in Paris. He trained even harder the following year and was rewarded with the silver medal at the 1947 World Championships. He resolved to dedicate himself even further to improving his weightlifting performances and, in 1948, Frank’s persistence paid off. After winning the US National Championship, he won the coveted gold medal at the 1948 Olympic Games in London. He came back to win one more Nationals in 1961. Frank still trains today and is in terrific shape, a shining inspiration to the champions who have followed him. (courtesy of weightlifting.org)

:: 7/10/2008: Frank Spellman, Gulf Breeze Florida, USA
I won the 1942 Junior Nationals in Bristol,Conn.

Please submit your comments about the athlete below.

Contribute!