Jim Schmitz (weightlifting coach)

Jim Schmitz
Personal information
NationalityAmerican
Born(1945-08-16)August 16, 1945
Occupation(s)Strength and conditioning coach, Business owner
Websitewww.nevertoostrong.org
Sport
Country United States
SportWeightlifting
ClubThe Sports Palace

James Schmitz (born August 16, 1945) is an American weightlifting coach from Ukiah, California. He coached the U.S. Olympic Weightlifting team in 1980, 1988, 1992. He also served as the President of USA Weightlifting from 1988 to 1996, and was a member of the International Weightlifting Federation's Executive Board from 1992 to 1996. Throughout his career as a coach, he has coached over 10 Olympians over a total of 7 consecutive Olympic Games. Notably, he coached American weightlifter Mario Martinez, who won a silver medal in the super-heavyweight division at the 1984 Olympics. He was also a frequent writer for Milo magazine, and is known for naming the exercise now known as the "Romanian Deadlift".