It is with deep regret that WABDL learned of the passing of Robert O. Smith on May 30, 2010. Robert O was a huge fan of weightlifting in general and an avid participant in both Olympic lifting and powerlifting. He competed in Los Angeles in Olympic lifting as far back as 1962. We used to talk about legends that he personally saw train at Muscle Beach, Vince's Gym in Studio City, CA, and the original Gold's Gym in Venice, CA. Among them were Steve Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Draper, Chuck Ahrens, Larry Scott, and Chuck Sipes.
On June 13, 2007, in Portland, OR, Robert O set a world record bench press of 578.5 at the age of 66 in the 308 weight class. He competed for 47 years. He moved to Vancouver, Canada in the early '80's and was a voice over expert in various cartoons and also had numerous roles in television and movies. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild since 1974.
There is nothing I can say that would do justice for Robert O as a human being. He was never negative, always positive. He had assured me in late March that he was going to overcome the pancreatic cancer because they caught it early and a new surgery was certain to extend his life at least another five years. Sadly, that did not happen.
What words are there to describe Robert O: honorable, WABDL defender, competitive, pleasant, interesting and fun to talk with, able to put anyone in a better mood just by being around, and a friend. If Robert O. was your friend, you had a friend for life. He will be greatly missed by all of those privileged to know him and those privileged to call him a friend.
Gus Rethwisch - - WABDL President
World Association of Bench Pressers & Deadlifters
We are an association of lifters who enjoy competing in the single-lift bench press and deadlift on state, national, and international levels. We are a drug-free organization and all meets are drug-tested.
This is a drug tested federation. Drug testing is to take place at every meet and is the responsibility of every meet director to conduct the testing. The WABDL tests for steroids, clenbuteral, and speed as well as for abnormally high testosterone levels and TE ratios.
We invite you to learn about our organization and encourage you to participate in competitions. Your comments and suggestions for making this organization more "lifter-friendly" are always appreciated and considered!
On June 13, 2007, in Portland, OR, Robert O set a world record bench press of 578.5 at the age of 66 in the 308 weight class. He competed for 47 years. He moved to Vancouver, Canada in the early '80's and was a voice over expert in various cartoons and also had numerous roles in television and movies. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild since 1974.
There is nothing I can say that would do justice for Robert O as a human being. He was never negative, always positive. He had assured me in late March that he was going to overcome the pancreatic cancer because they caught it early and a new surgery was certain to extend his life at least another five years. Sadly, that did not happen.
What words are there to describe Robert O: honorable, WABDL defender, competitive, pleasant, interesting and fun to talk with, able to put anyone in a better mood just by being around, and a friend. If Robert O. was your friend, you had a friend for life. He will be greatly missed by all of those privileged to know him and those privileged to call him a friend.
Gus Rethwisch - - WABDL President
