A 300 kg total is a good number in Olympic weightlifting. A 300 kg total at 100 kg bodyweight is even more impressive. A 300 kg total at 100 kg bodyweight and 39 years of age is outstanding.
 
That’s what Jared Coon did seven days before I did this interview with him. Jared is another one of those talented athletes who found weightlifting later in life through CrossFit, just like most members of US weightlifting these days. It’s fun to do interviews with guys like him, because many people think it’s crazy to start this sport when you’re in your 30s. You’re too old…your body won’t handle it…you’ll never make the Olympic Team if you don’t start when you’re a kid…blah blah. The part about not making the Olympic Team might be true, but all the rest of that is turning out to be hogwash. Performers like Jared are proving that age doesn’t stop you from fantastic accomplishments in this game. After starting Olympic lifting in his 30s, Jared is a National Masters Champion, World Masters medalist, and American record-holder in the 35-39 age group 102 kg class with a 136 kg snatch and 164 kg C&J, which he recently nailed at the 2019 American Open Series 1 in Columbus, Ohio.
 
136/164 as a 102 kg 39-year-old? Yeah, that makes you legit. We’re honored to give you a look at the life of one of America’s best masters weightlifters.
 
Tell us about your background. Where are you from, where do you currently live, what’s your occupation, family life, what kind of sports background do you have outside of lifting, etc.
 
I lived in the same town of Bradford, Rhode Island from birth until I was 24. My parents and two of my three sisters still own homes there. I now live about 15 minutes away in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. I am the owner of Westerly CrossFit and Westerly Barbell, both located just over the border in RI. I am married for just under 14 years to my wife Renee, who I have been with for the past 18 years. We have two wonderful yellow labs, Ryder and Samson. I didn’t play any organized sports growing up, but I had a huge community of friends and cousins who constantly kept us busy wrestling or playing backyard football. In high school, I was an all-state wrestler in RI. I mostly trained as a bodybuilder from 13 to 30 when I found CrossFit, which quickly led me to Olympic weightlifting.
 
Describe your weightlifting history. When/how did you start? Who have your coaches been? What are your proudest accomplishments?
 
I started lifting weights when I was 13 because I weighed around 100 lbs. I then got into Olympic weightlifting through CrossFit. I hired an experienced weightlifting coach and Army Ranger, Ryan Whittemore, to coach at the gym once a week. He talked me into making one night a week an Olympic weightlifting night. I agreed and started taking the class. Within a few months, Ryan saw some potential and talked me into training weightlifting full time. I agreed and have been strictly training for the past five years. Ryan Whittemore was my first coach and we still talk often before meets and big events. Wil Fleming is my current coach and writes all of my programming and does video analysis of my lifts. I also have some young bucks named Dan Josloff and the internet famous Maddison Michaud who travel all over the country with me to coach me behind the scenes at meets. My proudest accomplishments are my first Masters National Championship in 2018, my silver medal at Masters Worlds in 2016, and the three American records I broke at the AO1 this year.
 
Please give a basic description of your training method. Just tell us as much as you can about your program, weekly/yearly planning, etc.
 
My entire training program is designed by Wil. I train five days a week for around two hours a day. The training cycles are usually month-long cycles and I am a little different than most. I like and respond better to training heavy and often. I generally squat two to three times a week and find a few rep max complexes a week. Other days are saved for heavyish technique days. Sometimes blocks or hang. We usually plan out for specific meets. All masters events. This year it is the AO1, Masters Nationals, and then Masters Worlds. After that, we break down the movements and start all over again for the next year.
 
Describe some of the obstacles you face, or maybe some things that frustrate you in your weightlifting life. What kinds of changes would you like to see, either personally or with the sport in general?
 
The biggest obstacle I face is mental preparation. I have an amazing support staff and family that help me with my training, but I panic once a week about not being strong enough. It’s a constant battle to stay in a healthy mindset while training.
 
What are your plans and goals for your weightlifting career? How do you see your future in the sport?
 
My plan for this sport is to stay as competitive as I can in the masters division. I also enjoy competing at Masters Worlds and hope to do so again in 2019.
 
Who are some of your major influences, people you look up to, etc.? Who are the people you want to thank for your success?
 
My main influences growing up were all bodybuilders. I didn’t even know about other strength sports until much later in life. My favorites were Arnold, of course, and then Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman.
 
I am truly blessed to be able to compete in this sport. My wife Renee is the most supportive person on the planet. I also have amazing coaches and athletes at my gym that take care of things so I can train. And then there’s my afternoon lifting crew that comes in everyday and helps me grind through that killer Wil Fleming program while they grind out what I write for them. My parents Bruce and Joan instilled a strong work ethic in me. My big bro Josh Diekman and my wrestling coaches Vinny Cardoza and Al Gaccione all made me never want to quit on anything.
 
Congratulations on the big lifts, Jared. You’ve got plenty more in your tank in the coming years, and we wish you luck on continued success!