Norbert Schemansky

:: 4/9/2022: john raffaele, saint petersburg florida, usa
I always admired Norb Schemansky as one of the all time greats. The story Written in Strength & Health magazine about Norb's trip to Russia to compete in the Prize of Moscow competition. The reporter asked Norb if he would arm wrestle Zhabotinsky Russian Olympic champion. Norb was reported to have said ' If I wanted to wrestle a bear I would go to the zoo' Zhabotinsky outweighed Norb by 100lbs.

:: 4/18/2019: Arthur Chidlovski, Boston MA, US
Just received a very sad note from the family of Olympic weightlifting legend Norbert Schemansky (1924-2016). Norbert’s only son Larry passed away yesterday morning at 64. My most sincere condolences go the Schemansky family. RIP, Larry Schemansky.

:: 1/1/2019: Richard Kammerer, Paramus NJ, USA
It brought a tear to my eye.

:: 3/30/2017: Ajax, , USA
There was ski and then there was everyone else

:: 12/18/2016: ed bianco, melvindale mi, usa
i was a teenager and had been lifting weights for a few years. i joined 3 teams Melv H.S., Detroit boys club and the Western ymca. i am not sure when i met mr. schemansky but it was at the western ymca. yesterday i was talking to my one granddaughter who worksout and does weight training and i talked about my time lifting and Mr. S. this would have been sometime in the early 60s maybe 59? i knew he was an Olympic lifter, but i did not realize how great he was. he would work with myself and some of the other longer lifters. at some time, the ymca stopped him from lifting there due to the heavy weights he would use. the weight area was on the 2nd floor and i remember him saying that they were afraid that they would go through the floor. i know a few times, i gave him a ride home. i wish i would have realized how great and famous he was and how fortunate i was to meet him and lift with him. of course he could lift 3 times what i could. many years ago. the Norbert i knew was the one in the pic about. looks like this might have been a snatch lift? A great man, A great American, i only wish he would have received more recognition for his super accomplishments. Rest in Peace, Mr. Weightlifter! stephen metro you can reach me at epb43@acegroup.cc would like to talk to you. Ed

:: 9/7/2016: Arthur Chidlovski, Boston MA, USA
Legendary Olympic weightlifter and one of the greatest U.S. Olympians, Norbert “Norb” Schemansky died at 92. He won medals at four Summer Olympics in London 1948 and in Helsinki 1952, in Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964. Schemansky stayed competitive and represented the United States of America internationally for almost 30 years. He was admired by fellow teammates and respected by the opponents. He was a true inspiration for several generations of athletes. Norbert Schemansky was a true legend. Mr. Weigtlifting is gone. He will be missed. He will be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Norb’s family now. R.I.P.

:: 9/7/2016: Karen Sherman Ketover, MI, USA
I see the kids were up late last night. I will be going downstate for the funeral. I have no idea yet when but it will be a private one. Thanks for everything you have posted about Norb. I wish he had really understood his “fame” in the world of weightlifting.

:: 9/7/2016: stephen petro, flat rock mi, USA
To Norbert Schemansky has passed on to the other side he was 92 years old Thanks for all the great comments on the page my family loves to hear all of these so we can learn more about one of the greats in this sport thank you

:: 9/5/2016: Stephen Petro, , USA
I just learned tonight that my grandpa Norbert Szymanski may only have a few more days left to live on this Earth he has been in a lot of pain and went through a lot he's almost 93 years old but I appreciate all the information of him on your website and the great pictures and videos thank you very much

:: 8/18/2016: Patrick Machnik, Maplewood Minnesota, USA
I was lucky enough to workout with Norbert at a little gym over on 8 Mile Road. I competed with him in two Michigan State Championships as well as the 1960 National Championships. In the 1960 Michigan Championships he missed 325 lb in the press and then called for 350 and made it for a state record. At the 1960 Nationals, he was called for a knee touch in the snatch and threw the weight forward. The bar didn't reach the referee. That was fortunate because the referee was my barber. At the 1960 Michigan Championships, I introduced him to my dad and Norbert called me champ! You know that made my day.

:: 8/8/2016: Arthur Chidlovski, Boston MA, USA
Dear Mr. Petro: Mr. Schemansky has always been a role model and a legend for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with Norbert Schemansky now. God bless.

:: 8/8/2016: stephen petro, flat rock mi, USA
grandpa schemansky is not doing the best with health at this time 92 years old and is in 24 hour care please send prayers for the norbert schemansky thanks

:: 12/24/2015: Robert Wisniewski, Hartland Mi, USA
My step dad Sam Karres lifted with him and Jerome at Yacos gym ran by George Yacos. Is it possible for Sam to get in contact with norm again he hasn't spoken to him in a few years now.

:: 10/23/2015: Clay Oliver, Wichita KS - Kansas, United States
Norb and Paul lifted in the same meet on March 23rd, 1963. It was an exibition, and to obey amateur rules, they lifted an hour apart, and seperated by a curtain! Don't know what they lifted. I think both were capable of around a 1200 pound total at that time.

:: 6/17/2015: Arthur Chidlovski, Boston MA, USA
Does anyone know if Norb ever competed against Paul Anderson in the same weightclass? Obviously, Anderson won the gold at the 1956 Olympics and Schemansky was injured... But were they ever lifting against each other in the same tournament?

:: 5/29/2015: Arthur Chidlovski, Boston MA, USA
What can I add to this? We all remember and love Mr. Norbert Schemansky, You can see that people were writing from all over the world – from Ireland and Russia, Bulgaria and Australia, Canada and Spain, from many states in the USA! Happy Birthday, Mr. Champion!

:: 5/29/2015: Alexander Petrov, , Russia
Congrats, Norbert! He is known by many in Russia and his outstanding results are remembered here! I wsh you to stay in good health and many years more! Alexander Petrov, Russia (translated by Arthur Chidlovski)

:: 5/29/2015: Movladi Abdoulaev, , France
My congrats to the great athlete Norbert Schemansky! For young lifter you will always be a lead example to follow. Wish you health and happiness! Movladi Abdoulaev, France. (translated by Arthur Chidlovski)

:: 5/29/2015: Karen Sherman Ketover, Sanford MI, USA
Thank you for your birthday greetings to Norb. I have printed them out and will give them to him this week-end.

:: 5/28/2015: Victor Rosenberg, Cleveland Heights Ohio, USA
Beyond repeating that you're a great guy and one of the greatest weightlifters ever, I'd like to tell you my two favorite quotes of yours: Take a heavy press and really press it. And if it doesn't go, that's isometrics. And one I like because by analogy, it expresses my feelings about advice given in self-help books: If you want to be a strong presser you press; if you want to be a strong squatter you squat. As they say in Poland: Sto lat! (100 years!)

:: 5/27/2015: Douglas Heeren, , USA
Happy Birthday Norb. I compete at age 52 and I use the split technique. Many ask me how I learned the split technique and my reply is always “from watching video of Norbert Schemansky.

:: 5/21/2015: Robert Kabbas, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
Best wishes on your birthday Mr Schemansky. One of the greatest; respected and remembered worldwide.

:: 5/21/2015: Misha Khishchenko, Rochester NY, US
Dear Norbert! Happy Birthday and many happy returns. You are a true inspiration for many athletes all over the world. Thank you so much for great battles and memories You were a true amateur athlete of your time competing against professionals from the USSR and other Easter block countries. It is too me equal 'Miracle on ice' when the Americans beat Soviets in hockey in 1980 Well done, Norbert Misha

:: 5/18/2015: Allan Tang Jespersen, Svendborg , Denmark
Happy birthday Norbert! I have known your name almost all my live. My father was a weightlifter and he was in Coenhagen in 1952 when you and the US national team visited Idrætshuset. I mayselv vere in Budapest when you liftet against Yuri Vlassov, and I remember your perfect split style. When I was a Young boy, I was dreaming and wanted to look like you and be as strong as you were. YOU have been a great example for all weightlifters. Have a nice birthday, and good luck in the future.

:: 5/18/2015: Jerry Fleming, Staten Island New York, United States
Happy Birthday to Norb Schemansky! An incredible lifter who never received the recognition he deserved in a long career.

:: 5/17/2015: Oleg Pisarevsky, Arkhangelsk , Russia
I'm certainly very glad to have the opportunity to congratulate this great athlete and wish him long to be a living symbol of the great weightlifting power 50 years of the last century. He went down in history as the first man lifted 200 kg. For me American athletes Shemanski, Bednarski, Sheppard are mega stars. I am heartily hope that Norbert is in full health and wish him best.

:: 5/16/2015: Yevgeny Chernyshov, Kaliningrad , Russia
My congratulations to the great lifter, legendary athlete! Many times read about his battles with Vlasov in 60's.

:: 5/16/2015: rick burt , maple ridge british columbia, canada
Congratulations. Live beyond 0ne hundred. You are the greatest lifter of all time, an example of what can be achieved by true dedication to any sport.

:: 5/13/2015: Krum Krumov, , Bulgaria
You are great lifter! Congratulations1

:: 5/13/2015: Alexander Petrov, Izhevsk Udmurtia, Russia
Поздравляю Норберта! Его многие знают в России и помнят его замечательные спортивные достижения! Желаю крепкого здоровья, долгих и интересных лет жизни!

:: 5/13/2015: Frank Rothwell, Hebden Bridge Yorkshire, England
Happy Birthday Mr Schemansky. You have been an inspiration to countless weightlifters all over the World. Hope you reach the Century mark. !!

:: 5/13/2015: Wiktor Sadowski, Rīga Latvia, Latvia
Happy birthday champ! We celebrate Generation Norbert as your legacy of greatness! What an awesome family!

:: 5/13/2015: Aleksey Volkov, Moscow , Russia
Great Norbert! Venerable age you have proved the benefit weightlifting. You're a great athlete. Happy Birthday to you. Smile, be happy and be healthy!

:: 5/12/2015: Jim Moser, Kihei Hawaii, USA
Mr. Schemansky is a great man. His contributions to weightlifting were remarkable. My coach Bill Starr had the utmost respect for Mr. Schemansky. I wish had a dime for every time I heard his name mentioned by my coach. The highlight of my weightlifting career was being presented a medal from Mr. Schemansky at the Nationals. Happy Birthday Mr. Schemansky you have inspired myself and generations of young weightlifters. Aloha' Jim Moser

:: 5/12/2015: G.H. Massiha, Lafayette LA, USA
Long live Norbert. As they say in my country, may you celebrate your 120 birthday. Here is a link to 1962 world championship, Heavyweight Vlasov, Schemansky, Gubner over 90 Kg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liaIKgkAQ94

:: 5/12/2015: Steven Zeigman, White City Oregon, USA
Time for another Gold medal, Norbert! I see a 100 in your future. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Champion! Enjoy your Personal New Year coming. Somewhere

:: 5/12/2015: Movladi ABDOULAEV, Nice , France
Мои поздравления великому атлету Норберту Шемански! Для молодых тяжелоатлетов вы всегда будете примером. Желаю здоровья и счастья.

:: 5/12/2015: Geoff Fleming, Union New Jersey, USA
Birthdays greetings to one of the sport's finest participants! Every time I watch a film of the near miss with 380lb snatch at the Tokyo Olympics, I am stunned at just how remarkable an attempt it was (especially for a man past 40 years of age)...among so many other fantastic achievements in a brilliant career! All the best, Norb!

:: 5/12/2015: Arthur Chidlovski, Boston MA, USA
On May 30, 2015, Mr. Norbert Schemansky is turning 91!!!! Please share your memories and wishes and will be happy to send them to the LEGEND! Regards to all!

:: 4/28/2015: Paul Bjarnason, Vancouver B.C., Canada
Anyone who knows anything about the history of Olympic lifting knows just how great an athlete Norbert Schemansky was. He was also a great inspiration to many Canadian lifters during the 1950s and 60s, including myself (Canadian Champion, 1966 & 1970). Our only world champion, Doug Hepburn (1953, Stockholm), who lived in my home city of Vancouver, considered Norb the greatest ever Olympic lifting technician. I know that Joe Puleo was lucky enough to train with Norb, and I confess to feeling a bit deprived in never having had a chance to meet the great Schemansky in person. I wish Norb many more healthy years of enjoyment with his proud grandchildren!

:: 3/1/2015: EydieEvans, flatrock mi, wyane
These comments bring tears to my eyes to read what people have to say about my Grandpa ,he is 90 years old and a amazing man I'm very proud of him he's a very strong man and a wonderful grandpa .

:: 5/1/2014: Gary Echternacht, Titusville NJ, USA
I remember an older, but still good Schemansky coming to a meet in Iowa in the mid-60s. He was hosted by Larry Hanneman and after the meet several of us gathered in Larry's basement for beer and conversation. There Schemansky held court, telling stories. Personable, funny, and entertaining. It was the only time I've ever been in awe of a person. Yes, he was a great weightlifter, but he is even better as a person.

:: 12/7/2013: thomas baker, palatka fl, usa
I started in competitive weightlifting the same year that Norbert shocked the weightlifting world with that amazing snatch record. I remember it being acclaimed as the athletic feat of the century. It was certainly the most beautiful. He was a true inspiration to the sport and one of the greatest athletes of history.

:: 10/17/2013: Tim Barton, Farmington Hills MI, USA
There should be a huge statue celebrating Norbert Schemansky in Downtown Detroit like Joe Louis is celebrated. How do we get this done? Anyone out there know?

:: 7/8/2013: len rucker, grand rapids mi, usa
I saw norb 1961 Detroit mi break world record in snatch although it was unofficial. the crowd there went nuts.a more timid man I have never met after accomplishing such a feat.

:: 12/28/2012: TRACY KANE, RANDOLPH OHIO, USA
My late father Bill Kane was fortunate to have known Norb while training at the Y in late 40's/early 50's Detroit.(I believe both of them were employed by Briggs &/or Strohs)He had the greatest respect for this superlative athlete who seldom had the necessary support from employers,AAU,and public alike.His achievements were astounding given the aforesaid impediments.Norbert's legacy will continue to inspire...God bless him & his family. t kane 12/28/12

:: 12/4/2012: Keith Penney, Gold Coast QLD, Australia
I have just reread an account of the 1964 Tokyo games. N.S. Pressed 180k on his 3rd. attempt. Snatched 155, 160 and 167.5 then with a 4th attempt broke the world record with 172.25. This is not shown on your list of his WR.

:: 9/15/2012: luke belliveau, new smyrna beach fll, usa
he was my grandfathers training pzrtner

:: 9/14/2012: john coniff, wheeling wv, usa
i had the honor of lifting against norb in his final contest which was march 1968 in kittanig pa. i was 22 at the time, norb was 44 he easily won i took third .it was a privilege to be on the podium with him and to shake his hand. he was and is a total class act.

:: 12/18/2011: Dr. George H. Elder, White River Junction Vermont, USA
Norbert is the real deal by all acounts. Yeah, age makes us feeble, but here is a man who lived as one of the very best at what he did. That memory alone is something to treasure, and I am sure he does. It is well over 45 years since Norb won his last Olympic medal, but there are many of us who will always respect him. It was worth it Norb, although I am sure there were many doubts along the way. But to be at the top of your game for nearly 20 years is remarkable--and damn few people can have a life like that. But as important as those accomplishments are, I have a feeling you felt that your wife and kids were even more important. It seems to me, Bernice was the ultimate source of your strength, and your children are a legacy that will long outlive any recollection or accomplishment. It has been a lifed well lived!

:: 11/23/2011: john forsythe, brighton mi., u.s.
had the privlege of lifting at the astro gym norb helped me get my press up hewas not only a great champion but hadgreat sence of humor also jack katchmar was quite a charactor

:: 10/27/2011: Bill Witkosky, Livonia Mi, USA
In 1952 I was a member of the Highland Park YMCA. In that year Norm was giving a demonstration at Liberty School. Also there was a trampolein and I was the one bouncing on it ! I considered it to be such an honor to be in the same room with Norm. I did a little weight lifting but not very serious. Great memories!

:: 2/14/2011: Chris Boza, Chattaroy WA, USA
The one quality I admire in my Uncle Norb is humility. In this day and age, athletes exude so much hubris, you just shake you head in disbelief. Humility is a trait sorely lacking in today's society. To understand how this has happened, you only need to look back to Uncle Norb's chilhood during the depression, his early adult life during WW II, and the trials of supporting a family while competing at the Olympics. Well done and God Bless you!

:: 1/24/2011: Karen Sherman Ketover, North Las Vegas NV, U.S.A.
Norb is my 1st cousin. As the family genealogist, I wish I could get a DVD of his lifts for my archives. Future generations of our family might enjoy it as much as I do! Thanks for the posts.

:: 9/14/2010: Tom Constantinidis, Sydney NSW, AUSTRALIA
Personally I would consider Norbert Schemansky one of the top ten weightlifters of all time . Since I bought my first muscle magazine with my school lunch money in 1960 with Red Lerile on the cover and then with Larry Scott on the cover which I still have I've admired the great Norbert Schemansky. How can you not admire a man who competed at top international level for over 20 years and keep winning medals. With that inspiration I still compete in the masters which I won silver this year and hope to win gold in 2011. By avoiding smoking and the like, I retain my weight the same since 20 years of age and can steel do chinups using only my index fingers for 4 reps at 83kg bodyweight.

:: 9/14/2010: Tom Constantinidis, Sydney NSW, AUSTRALIA
Personally I would consider Norbert Schemansky one of the top ten weightlifters of all time . Since I bought my first muscle magazine with my school lunch money in 1960 with Red Lerile on the cover and then with Larry Scott on the cover which I still have I've admired the great Norbert Schemansky. How can you not admire a man who competed at top international level for over 20 years and keep winning medals. With that inspiration I still compete in the masters which I won silver this year and hope to win gold in 2011. By avoiding smoking and the like, I retain my weight the same since 20 years of age and can steel do chinups using only my index fingers for 4 reps at 83kg bodyweight.

:: 9/8/2010: Clay Oliver, Wichita Kansas, usa
I consider Norb the greatest split snatcher of all time!

:: 6/2/2009: Jose Adames, Killeen Texas, USA
In the early 1960s I used to buy Strength & Health magazine which dealt mostly with Olympic Weightlifting but also covered Bodybuilding, too. I was very much impressed with Norbert Schemansky. Although the great Paul Anderson received more press coverage because of his strong man stunts, Norbert had a great physique and received four Olympic Gold medals. Norbert was as strong as he looked and his arm and leg development was the envy of many bodybuilders. I greatly enjoyed the articles on Strength & Health that dealt with Norbert. I feel that he was never given the recognition that he richly deserved. I hope that someday he is given his just dues and I hope to see his life story on TV 'Biography: Norbert Schemansky.'

:: 4/27/2009: John Vincent, sterling heights michigan, usa
I was not a close friend of Mr. Schemansky but I grew up near where he lived and my coaches and some friends new him. We both banked at the same location and I had the opportunity to talk to this gentleman many times. He was not only a great champion but a pleasure to talk to as well. Perhaps Mr. Schemansky was not recognized as he should have been but he was an inspiration to me (as well as others I knew) and it is always an honor to mention to new weightlifters that I have met this fine lifter and gentleman.

:: 9/22/2008: Richard penney, Launceston Tasmania, Australia
I am absolutely amazed over what he has achieved throughout his career. Phenomenal considering the technique restrictions that applied at the time. I am just totally truly inspired by such an achievement under any conditions never alone the ones that applied in your time. A man ahead of his time and a true inspiration. I never knew just how good you were Norbert and what difficulties you faced. Remarkable. After reading what I have about you I can now say that you surpass the ability that would even bring me to consider you one of the greats.... you were a man so far ahead of you time that you, in my opinion, cannot be compared to other lifters.

:: 9/11/2008: Lance McAllister, Liverpool NY, USA
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Schemansky at the heavyweight championship at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and he graciously autographed my ticket stub. I've been a fan since I was 15, and have had the photo of him pressing over 400 pounds at the 1963 worlds blown up and placed in my home gym for inspiration. He is the epitome of the Olympic athletic ideal. God bless you, sir!

:: 6/3/2008: Brian Ballard, Mullica Hill NJ, USA
Ihave long been a fan of Mr Schemansky. In my opinion, he is the most underrated athlete of the 20th century. It is time he got the recognition (and financial rewards) he so richly deserves.

:: 2/16/2008: STEVE LOFE, CEDAR CITY UT, USA
I have always been impressed my Norbert, since I started lifting in 1970. So much , that I named my son Norbert. Also, I love this site. Please get some info and clips of Lee James.

:: 5/16/2007: stephen petro, Flat Rock michigan, USA
great site i'm norbs grandson very nice site lots of great info please keep up on norbert schemansky he has 26 world recordsnot 24 thanks love the video clips

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