Rufe Bynum

What is your Weightlifting story?

I was introduced to weightlifting in 2011. I had no idea what it was. My coach then showed me some Youtube videos and I said to myself 'I think I could do that'. I committed to 6 weeks of training and I was instantly hooked. I began training hard and knew that I wanted to compete nationally. From there a wonderful community has grown around me. I have made great friends and had great experiences in this sport. I began coaching in 2015 and that has continued my journey to help others achieve the same goals I had when I first started. I have had the opportunity to compete in national competitions since I began the sport from the American Open and Senior Nationals. I have also had the opportunity to coach athletes at those same competitions and then some. To be apart of USAW and the weightlifting community is a real pleasure and I cannot wait to see what is next.

What is your favorite part about coaching?

What's your favorite movement?

Snatch

What's your favorite quote?

"I'll show you how great I am." - Muhammad Ali

Any advice for beginners?

Never give up.