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 John "Jack" Welch

Strongman / Weightlifter ∙ Aliquippa

Weightlifters are a dedicated and disciplined lot. They have to be since their sport is not a major one in the United States and rarely brings them fame or fortune. John (Jack) Welch is one of this unique breed. In the 148 pound class, he was Junior National Champion in 1969 and Senior National Champion in 1969, 1970, and 1973. He took second place in the World Powerlifting Championships in 1971, third place in 1972, and won the world title in England in 1975. He moved up to the 165 pound class in 1982, placing second in the Senior National Championships. Jack was undefeated from 1972 to 1982, but then semi retired from national competition and took part in only local and state events. He set two world powerlifting records in the 148 pound class in 1975: he bench pressed 358 pounds and compiled a record total of 1430 pounds. Jack owned and operated the Power House Weightlifting Club in the Crestmont Shopping Center in Hopewell Township. In powerlifting he has trained three teenage national champions and several state champions and record holders. He was also president of the Beaver County Women’s Softball Association. Jack also coached a women’s softball team and sponsored a young girls’ team. With all his athletic success, Jack Welch remained humble: he remembered once placing as low as third. But that finish wasn’t too shabby, since it came in the 1972 World Powerlifting Championships.