Chuck Vinci

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameCharles Thomas "Chuck"•Vinci, Jr.
Used nameChuck•Vinci
Born28 February 1933 in Cleveland, OhioUSA
Died13 June 2018 (aged 85 years 3 months 13 days) in Cleveland, OhioUSA
Measurements152 cm / 56 kg
AffiliationsYork Barbell Club — York, PennsylvaniaUSA
NOCUnited StatesUSA
Medals OG
Gold 2
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 2

Biography

Chuck Vinci is the last American man to have won a gold medal in Olympic weightlifting, through 2018. Besides his two Olympic gold medals, he also won two golds at the 1955 and 1959 Pan American Games. He never managed a world title but was runner-up in both 1955 and 1958. He won seven AAU titles, those of 1954-56, and 1958-61. He set 12 world records in the bantamweight division. Vinci began lifting weights at the Cleveland Central YMCA and later began training with John Schubert at the Olympic Health Club after World War II. He was a steelworker for over 30 years.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1956 Summer Olympics Weightlifting USA Chuck Vinci
Bantamweight, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
1960 Summer Olympics Weightlifting USA Chuck Vinci
Bantamweight, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold

List mentions