Edward Coyle
1995
Eddie Coyle was a formidable force in wheelchair weightlifting throughout the 1970s and 1980s, earning recognition as both a world-class athlete and a passionate ambassador for adaptive sports. Known for his powerful performances on the weightlifting bench, Eddie’s strength and sportsmanship made him one of the most respected competitors of his era.
Between 1971 and 1988, Eddie achieved extraordinary success on the regional, national, and international stages, winning:
Four gold medals in weightlifting at the Pan American Games
Two gold medals at the Paralympic Games
Three gold medals at the World Championships
He proudly represented Team USA at the 1976 Paralympic Games in Toronto, Canada, where he once again captured gold in weightlifting.
Even after retiring from world competition to pursue doctoral studies in Physical Education, Eddie continued to inspire others as a lecturer, researcher, and advocate. His expertise and passion for weightlifting, strength training, and wheelchair sports made him a sought-after speaker around the world.
Eddie also contributed to the broader sports community through his leadership and service, holding positions with the United States Olympic Committee, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the International Federation of Powerlifting.
A stellar athlete, intellectual thinker, and articulate communicator, Eddie Coyle embodied the highest ideals of excellence — blending physical power with academic rigor and a lifelong commitment to the advancement of adaptive sports.