Wilf Chapman RIP

by Al Myers

I just recently learned that Wilf Chapman, of Australia, had passed away this summer.  I have had the honor of competing against Wilf in a few competitions, with the first one being the 2006 IAWA World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.  The above tribute appeared in  the publication, “The All-Round Strength Athlete”.   This is the official written publication of the ARWLWA. 

I will never forget meeting Wilf the first time.  Myself being a newcomer to the International scene of All Round Weightlifting at the time, I didn’t know very many of the other lifters in attendance.  Wilf IMMEDIATELY “struck up” a conversation with me at the night before get together, and we spent a long time talking.  He made me feel quite welcomed, and in turn I was tremendously impressed with his outgoing friendly personality.  I had my Dad with me at this meet as well, and Wilf thought my father was my brother.  We all found this funny (especially Dad and Wilf) and ever since that time when I would see Wilf he would ask me “how my brother was doing”.  That was just his personality.  I will miss him.  REST IN PEACE WILF!!