Dear friends of Powerlifting,
Today, I inform of you some very sad news.
Mr. Tokiharu Maeda, a leading figure in the Japanese powerlifting world, passed away on the night of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on July 23. He was 77 years old.
Mr. Maeda was most active during the 1980s, and finished with the Silver Medal in the 1984, 1985 and 1987 at the World Open Powerlifting Championships.
Mr. Maeda's success came through his strength in both the squats and deadlift. Tokiharu displayed great courage during his performances, on the world stage, and was an inspiration to so many the Japanese lifters.
Mr. Maeda’s best squat in the 90kg class was 350kg at the age of 39 and his best deadlift was 327.5kg at the age of 38. Some of his lifts still remain National Records until today. Overall, he was a dynamic lifter.
On behalf of the IPF Executive Committee, I send my and sincerest and deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the Japanese Powerlifting Association community.
We shall miss Mr. Maeda!
Gaston Parage
President
International Powerlifting Federation
