Gary Bennett
Gary Bennett was a remarkable weightlifter. On 19 occasions he competed for the Canadian championship in Olympic-style weightlifting — and he earned medal honours every time. He was the Gold Medal winner in 1976 at the Canada Winter Games.
Nine years later he set a World record in the Clean-and-Jerk division at the World Masters championships, held in Colorado, USA. At the time of his election to our Hall of Fame, Gary held the Ontario and Canadian records in his Masters’ age group, and had earned gold medals at seven Ontario Seniors championships between 1976 and 1988.
Gary was named Peterborough Sportsman of the Year in 1984 and received the Provincial Recognition Award for 20 years service in Olympic weightlifting. He took up coaching and was a volunteer instructor and trainer at YMCAs in Peterborough, St. Thomas, and Kitchener. Two of his pupils — Dan Swinnerton and Glen Dodds — qualified for international competition. Bennett also coached the Ontario Junior Team in national championships in 1979 through 1984.
Born in Peterborough in 1945, Gary Bennett died in June, 1994.
Year Inducted:
1996
Status:
Deceased
Gary Bennett was a remarkable weightlifter. On 19 occasions he competed for the Canadian championship in Olympic-style weightlifting — and he earned medal honours every time. He was the Gold Medal winner in 1976 at the Canada Winter Games.
Nine years later he set a World record in the Clean-and-Jerk division at the World Masters championships, held in Colorado, USA. At the time of his election to our Hall of Fame, Gary held the Ontario and Canadian records in his Masters’ age group, and had earned gold medals at seven Ontario Seniors championships between 1976 and 1988.
Gary was named Peterborough Sportsman of the Year in 1984 and received the Provincial Recognition Award for 20 years service in Olympic weightlifting. He took up coaching and was a volunteer instructor and trainer at YMCAs in Peterborough, St. Thomas, and Kitchener. Two of his pupils — Dan Swinnerton and Glen Dodds — qualified for international competition. Bennett also coached the Ontario Junior Team in national championships in 1979 through 1984.
Born in Peterborough in 1945, Gary Bennett died in June, 1994.