Summary: Lamar Gant was a weightlifter who is known for his exceptional strength and unique physical condition. In this article, we will discuss his early life, career achievements, training routines, injuries, and legacy.

1. Early Life

Lamar Gant was born on September 15, 1963, in Nacogdoches, Texas. As a child, he was diagnosed with scoliosis, a medical condition that causes the spine to curve sideways.

The doctors advised him to avoid any physical activity that might worsen his condition, but Gant didn’t let his ailment stop him from pursuing his passion for sports. He started lifting weights at the age of 13 and discovered that the exercises relieved his back pain.

Despite his scoliosis, Lamar Gant became determined to break world records in weightlifting. He trained hard every day, relying on a revolutionary exercise technique that took advantage of his condition – the bent-over-backward style.

2. Career Achievements

Lamar Gant’s first significant win was at the age of 19 when he broke the world record in the squat lift category at the 1982 AAU Teenage Nationals, lifting an astounding 672 pounds. He then went on to win four consecutive World Powerlifting Championships titles from 1984 to 1987.

In 1988, Lamar Gant set the ultimate powerlifting record when he lifted 661 pounds while weighing only 132 pounds, breaking his previous record of lifting 628 pounds in 1985. This incredible feat earned him a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.

His records were so impressive that no one could beat them until early 2000 when Ukrainian Olexander Kutcher finally broke his best lift record. To this day, Lamar Gant remains an inspiration to weightlifters worldwide.

3. Training Routines

Gant’s training routines were a derivative of the back-extension machine workout, which targeted his lower back. By bending over backward while lifting weights, his spine flexed in the opposing direction, resulting in a straighter posture.

Typically, he focused on eight-week cycles, consisting of four weeks of high-volume training and four weeks of low-volume training, with fewer reps and more weight. He also performed supplementary exercises such as back extensions, sit-ups, and side bends.

Lamar Gant trained for about four hours every day in his prime and followed a high-protein diet to complement his workout regimen.

4. Injuries

Gant’s physical technique and unique condition allowed him to achieve amazing feats, but they also resulted in injuries, mainly affecting his back and knees. These injuries limited his participation in competitions towards the end of his career.

Despite his ailments, Lamar Gant refused to allow them to end his passion for powerlifting. He underwent several surgeries to rectify his knee problems, but they eventually forced him into retirement from competitive lifting.

After retiring from competitive lifting, Lamar Gant shifted his focus on coaching and remained active in the weightlifting community.

5. Legacy

Lamar Gant’s legacy goes beyond his exceptional achievements and records. He proved that with determination, discipline, and hard work, anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their limitations.

His bent-over-backward style revolutionized the powerlifting technique and is still being used by weightlifters worldwide. Moreover, his contributions to the sport of powerlifting earned him a rightful place in its Hall of Fame.

Although his career was short-lived due to injuries, Lamar Gant remains one of the most influential powerlifters of all time.

Conclusion:

Lamar Gant was more than just a powerlifter; he was an inspiration to many. His determination to break world records despite his medical condition is admirable, and his revolutionary technique for weightlifting is still being used today. Although he retired early due to injuries, his contributions to powerlifting will be remembered forever.

We can all learn from Lamar Gant’s dedication, hard work, and perseverance to achieve our goals, no matter the challenges we face along the way.