Zygmunt Smalcerz

While not a tall man at 1.53 m, Zygmunt Smalcerz’s performances in the early 1970s in the then new flyweight division were great. He earned three overall world titles (1971, 1972 and 1975), of which the 1972 title doubled as the Olympic championships. Additionally, Smalcerz placed 2nd in 1970 and third in 1973, as well as gold medals in the press (1972), snatch (1971 and 1975) and clean & jerk (1971 and 1975).

At the Europeans, Smalcerz was no less successful, winning the overall title four times (1971-72, 1974-75), winning both the snatch and clean & jerk at the 1971, 1972 and 1975 editions. Smalcerz had hoped to close out his career with a second Olympic gold at the Montréal Games, but was forced to withdraw from the competition due to injury.

Following his active career, the six-time Polish Champion turned to coaching. In 2008, he led the Polish contingent at the Beijing Games, later moving to the United States. In 2002, Smalcerz was inducted in the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame.

Personal Bests: Press - 115.0 kg (1971); Snatch - 105.0 kg (1975); Clean & Jerk - 132.5 kg (1975); Two events - 237.5 kg (1975); Three events - 340.0 kg (1971).