It’s almost impossible to talk about the history of USA Weightlifting without Cheryl Haworth’s name popping up. She’s one of America’s most accomplished lifters, with accolades that include:
- Three Olympic appearances (2000, 2004, 2008)
- An Olympic bronze medal (2000)
- A World Championships bronze medal (2005)
- Multiple Junior World Championships
- A Pan American Games Championship (1999)
- A Youth World Record (snatch)
- 11 consecutive Senior USA Weightlifting National Championships
- USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame Induction (2015)
After a storied lifting career, Cheryl began coaching the sport and now travels around the globe teaching lifters of all ages and ability levels. She’s also an in-demand color commentator for national and international weightlifting events, in addition to co-hosting the USA Weightlifting Podcast.
In this episode of The BarBend Podcast, Cheryl and host David Thomas Tao talk about her career, transition to coaching, and thoughts on the future of weightlifting.
Want to go even more in-depth on our conversation? Check out the full podcast transcription below on this page.
In this episode of The BarBend Podcast, guest Cheryl Haworth and host David Thomas Tao discuss:
- The early days of weightlifting on YouTube (1:30)
- Cheryl’s weightlifting career, including competing in the first-ever Olympic Games with women’s weightlifting (3:26)
- How Cheryl found out she set a World Record — 17 years after she made the lift! (7:30)
- Cheryl’s reputation as one of the world’s best athletes in the jerk (10:10)
- What it took to win an unheard-of 11 straight National Weightlifting Championships (18:20)
- Cheryl’s toughest career injury and what it took to return to the sport’s highest level (21:00)
- Finding coaching mentors and building teams (32:00)
- Cheryl’s advice for athletes making the transition to coaching (39:30)
Relevant links and further reading:
- Follow Cheryl Haworth on Instagram
- Learn more about Cheryl’s company, Haworth Weightlifting
- Listen and subscribe to the USA Weightlifting Podcast, which Cheryl co-hosts with fellow Olympian Chad Vaughn
