Lee James

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameLee Roy•James, Jr.
Used nameLee•James
Born30 October 1953 in Gulfport, Mississippi (USA)
Died11 February 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina (USA)
Measurements173 cm / 90 kg
AffiliationsUS Army, (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Lee James was the top American hope for a weightlifting medal at the 1976 Olympics, but he was still given only a slim chance. He came through with the best total of his life (by 7.5 kg.) to capture a silver medal behind one of the greatest lifters of his era, David Rigert of the USSR. James had won only one previous national title, in 1976, but also won a gold medal at the 1975 Pan-American Games. After missing the 1977 season due to injuries, he won the 1978 US title, but then ended his competitive career due to his knee injuries.

James served in the US Army with the 101st Airbone Division. He graduated from York College with a marketing degree. James settled in Raleigh, North Carolina where he was an insurance broker with Nationwide Insurance, managing their catastrophe team for North Carolina.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1976 Summer Olympics Weightlifting USA Lee James
Middle-Heavyweight, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver

Special Notes