2003 World Masters Olympic Weightlifting Champion and Team Connecticut Head Coach Gary Valentine was born May 6, 1957 in Stamford, Ct. After receiving his Masters Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut in 1983, he began a 24 year career in the field of Cardiac Rehabilitation. He held the position of Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Programs at Griffin Hospital in Derby Connecticut until August 2009, when he formed Valentine Strength, LLC., a strength and weightlifting consulting firm offering seminars and private instruction in Olympic Weightlifting.
Since 2002, he has been Adjunct Professor in Exercise Science at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT., teaching courses in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Resistance Program Design to Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program upperclassmen. .
With Lifetime best lifts of 123kg (271lbs) snatch and 165kg (363lbs) clean and jerk at age 42, Coach Valentine has 17 Connecticut State Championships to his credit, and various Regional titles since 1980. Gary has competed very successfully as a Master's (over age 35) lifter. He is pictured below at 46 years of age with the152.5 kg clean and jerk (336 pounds)that, along with 117.5kg snatch (258 lbs), won the Gold Medal at the 2003 Master's World Championships in the 105 kg (231 pound) heavyweight division.
In 2002 he won the 5th of his 6 Pan American Masters Championships, setting a then World Record in the Clean and jerk with 153 kg. In 2006 he set the Pan American clean and jerk record with 154 kg. He also has won 9 Masters National Championships. Additionally, he has qualified 3 times for the U.S. Senior National championships, the highest National Competition in the United states - all while over age 40!
Gary continues to compete in Open and Masters Competitions, while coaching Team Connecticut, and serving as Meet Director for the Connecticut Weightlifting Championships, held on the first Sunday of August each year. Blue Streak Sports Performance in Stamford is the Site Sponsor. www.bluestreakst.com
2003 World Masters Olympic Weightlifting Champion and Team Connecticut Head Coach Gary Valentine was born May 6, 1957 in Stamford, Ct. After receiving his Masters Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut in 1983, he began a 24 year career in the field of Cardiac Rehabilitation. He held the position of Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Programs at Griffin Hospital in Derby Connecticut until August 2009, when he formed Valentine Strength, LLC., a strength and weightlifting consulting firm offering seminars and private instruction in Olympic Weightlifting.