The ultimate sport of strength
and power for athletes
age 35 and older.
USA Masters Weightlifting
is THE organization run
by Masters for Masters!
WE ARE USA MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTING
Masters are diverse in age and range from well-honed veterans of the sport to novices looking to try something new and exciting. Whatever their motivation, this is a group of athletes dedicated to aging with strength.
USA Masters Weightlifting is separate from USA Weightlifting. USA Masters Weightlifting follows IMWA policies and procedures. IMWA is the International Masters Weightlifting Association.
Thank you to our Event Sponsors
Upcoming events
'25 USAMW National Masters
Boise, ID
3/26-3/30 - 2025
'25 Pan American
Masters - Baton Rouge, LA
5/14-5/18
'25 IMWA World Masters
Las Vegas
9/4 - 9/13
'25 HCAM & Americas Cup - Orlando, FL
12/3-12/7
Masters Weightlifting General Information
Masters Weightlifting is the Olympic sport of weightlifting for persons 35 years old or older. Weightlifting is the ultimate sport of strength and power and should not be confused with powerlifting, bodybuilding, or general weight training. Weightlifting consists of two events; the snatch and the clean-and-jerk.
This website is operated independently of USA Weightlifting. Any suggestions, comments, questions, or complaints
should be directed to the Webmaster or National Masters Chairman.
USA Masters Weightlifting Inc. is focused on providing support for USA master lifters including (2) National level meets and the interface with the Pan American Masters Championships and the World Masters Championships (through IMWA) by leveraging volunteers, limited funding, and independent meet directors.
Masters Weightlifting
USA Masters Weightlifting was designed specifically to provide continued opportunities for the Master athlete to compete. USA Masters WL hosts 2 National events per year (Howard Cohen American Masters and National Masters) at locations throughout the United States. There are also 2 major International events per year and USAMW makes sure that all information for these competitions are made available to the members. National and American Meet Records are also tracked by USAMW. The Masters Organization also keeps track of Grand Slam Awards (when an athlete wins all 4 events in a year - Nationals, American Masters, Pan Am Masters and World Masters) and Masters Hall of Fame Members. All Masters must be registered members of USA Masters Weightlifting.
Jeff Scott- USAMW President
Jeff is a 1982 graduate of the United States Military Academy. He served on active duty for ten years in the US Army. After leaving active duty in 1992 he received his Masters Degree from Pace University in 1993, and then went to work in the IT field in the New York Metro area. He has been the Information Technology Director for Bethel Communities Management (a New York-based 501(c)3 not-for-profit) for the past twenty two years. He is an assistant coach for the LBH weightlifting team and since 2011 has served as the USA Masters records chair. In addition to pursuits in the realm of weightlifting, Jeff is Commissioner and Chair of the Montrose Improvement District (a NY municipal water district) and Trustee and Chair of the Northern Westchester Joint Water Works (a NY public benefit corporation). From 2006-2018 he was a frequent competitor in open and masters weightlifting events and infrequently a medalist.
John Van Cramer - USAMW Treasurer
John Van Cramer is a long time competitor and supporter of Masters weightlifting and has been chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee for many years. He is also a member of the Masters Hall of Fame as an athlete. With an extensive finance and corporate background, Van utilizes his expertise to assist the USAMW corporation.
Michael Cohen - USAMW CEO
Michael Cohen is the CEO of USA Masters Weightlifting, taking over after his father. Michael is a 1980 Olympian and 2 time Olympic Head Coach (2000, 2004) as well as a Master Hall of Fame member, USAW Hall of Fame and two-time-USA Olympic Coach of the Year. Michael has been a competitive weightlifter for more than 50 years and is also an IWF Category 2 Referee.
Michael was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the USA Men's and Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team, winning gold in 2016.
Michael is currently the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Savannah State University for all sports.
Michael is also the founder of the Get Excited and Move program, an exercise program designed specifically for people with Parkinson's Disease and other Movement Disorders.
Juli Peterson - Secretary, USAMW Board Member
Juli Peterson has been a lifelong competitive athlete; however; after her first Masters weightlifting meet, she was hooked. She was instantly drawn to the community, the camaraderie, and the high level of competition not to mention the complexity of the lifts. Juli has also served on the Women’s Committee establishing the Leanda K. Bevans Perseverance Award given each year at USAMW Nationals to a female recipient nominated for her commitment to the sport in spite of extreme challenges. Juli also competes in the Scottish Highland Games throughout the summer months. “I believe we should contribute to that which we consume. The US Masters community has shown me a strength that inspires me every day. I am proud and humbled to serve in whatever capacity is needed.”
Sheryl Cohen, USAMW COO
Sheryl is a native of Savannah, Georgia who began competing in weightlifting in high school under the direction of Coach Michael Cohen with Team Savannah. Her first National Championships was in 1991, and she competed in the first ever Junior National Championships for women, winning in the 52kg class. She went on to win the Collegiate Championships and the American Open, as well as compete in 2 Olympic Festivals before "retiring" in 1998 to start a family. Sheryl married Michael Cohen in 1997 and they have 4 children. Sheryl has been an active participant in the Masters Weightlifting program since before she turned 35, helping to run events, officiate and more. Sheryl was inducted in the Masters Hall of Fame as a Significant Contributor and Athlete.
Legacy Leadership
Bill Clark -
Founder
Bill Clark started the US Masters Weightlifting and Powerlifting programs in 1974 – having the first meet in 1975 with only 15 lifters. Today, the masters program is found in 70 nations and accepted without question. "It was my idea and I made it work," Clark said with a proud smile. "I think that's my most successful contribution to weightlifting. The older guys need to stay in the gym to show the next generation how to do it." Bill was also instrumental in bringing women into the sport.
Walter Imahara
USA Masters & IWF Leadership
Walter Imahara was chairman of the Masters program after Bill Clark stepped down and up until 1996. Walter was also the IWF Masters Chair for 20 years, retiring in 2008. Walter won an astonishing 26 consecutive National Gold Medals, and 11 consecutive World Gold Medals, as he traveled the globe competing and over-seeing the Sport in distant lands.
Howard Cohen
Sustaining & Building USA Masters
Masters Chairman from 1996 to 2018, Howard was given the honorary title of President for Life. This is an honorary title to recognize his years of service to the Masters Organization. Howard has won 32 National titles, the most of anyone to date.