Gene Bell

In Gene Bell's own words:

"During the last 30 years of competing in the sport of POWERLIFTING, I was inducted into the Air Force Heritage Hall of Fame and United States Air Forces in Europe SPORTS HALL OF FAME. I won Air Force Athlete of the Year, Pacific Air Command Athlete of the Year, USPF Powerlifting of the Year (1997) and United States Air Forces in Europe Athlete of the Year. I went undefeated in 8 consecutive Air Force and Armed Forces National meets and won several USPF National & IPF World titles along the way, spanning 20 years in different weight classes. I still hold the highest posted total in a sanctioned meet (USPF/APF) in the 181 class with a 2110 total. I have defeated some of the greatest powerlifters in the USA and abroad—many were world champions!

I have packed on some pounds over the course of the last 27 years when I competed as a light 165-pound lifter. My stats as a 165 pounder were: 6% body fat, arms-18 inches, chest-46 inches and waist 29 inches. But as a full fledge 198 pounder: 10% body fat, arms 19.5, chest -50 inches, and waist 33 inches. I could move some big numbers in any movement in the gym; leg press-1500lbs for mid range reps, dips-300 lbs. for 5 reps, incline bench press 450 for 4 reps, squat 800 for 3 reps., bench 500 for 3 reps and deadlift 720 for 3 reps, seated shoulder press –315 for 5 reps; this all done weighing 200 pounds.

Best lifts in a meet-Bodyweight Squat Bench Deadlift

165 688 lbs. 441 lbs. 683 lbs.

181 843 lbs. 529 lbs. 733 lbs.

198 871 lbs. 545 lbs. 766 lbs.

The sport has been very good to me, it has given me the chance to travel all over the world free of charge and meet some wonderful people. There are a few people who made a positive impact on my lifting career; my wife, Dianna, for her support for the last 14 years, my Mother (she is an angel), Louis Baltz of All-American Gym in Lakeland, Florida, Gary Sanders (My high school coach), my sponsors (Pete Alaniz) and Sean Scully (long time Air Force friend). I have learned always to try and be a part of the solution even if you don’t have a vested interest in the process; you may have the answer. Also, never give up your dreams and hopes; they are your future. I’m currently living in Selma, Texas with my family."