Hugh Cassidy


Truman Hugh Cassidy, better known as Hugh Cassidy, is an American metal sculptor, jazz musician, and former powerlifter who competed in powerlifting just prior to the formation of the International Powerlifting Federation. In 1971, he became U.S. National Powerlifting Champion as well as World Powerlifting Champion at the inaugural Amateur Athletic Union World Championships, defeating the young soon-to-be all-time greats Jim Williams and John Kuc in the super heavyweight division.

Early life

Cassidy was born in San Francisco, California. He is of Irish and Scottish descent.

Powerlifting career

Cassidy's lifting career was quite short starting in 1965 and ending in 1971. Formerly, he wanted to become an Olympic weightlifter but had problems mastering the necessary technique. Being naturally lean and standing 5-foot-10-inches tall, he knew he had to put on a lot of weight to become a successful powerlifter, so he pushed his bodyweight quickly from 175 to approximately 290 pounds. At his maximum bodyweight he became a world class super heavyweight lifter in the early 1970s and got his nickname "Huge" for his bodyweight and appearance. Cassidy achieved his best performance at the inaugural AAU World Championships with his personal record total of 2160 lbs. Within 6 months after his World Championship win he suffered a knee injury, which ended his lifting career.

Powerlifting meet results

done in official competition
Besides being a world class powerlifter, Cassidy was a teacher and a jazz musician as well as a nationally known metal sculptor. In the military he was an army medic. He is married to Barbara Kratzer Cassidy, a German horticulturist. They have four children, including the well-known singer Eva Cassidy, who died at age 33.