By Sarrah Peters/News Editor
Richard Hagedorn and Bobby “House” Driskill can often be found in the back room at Gold’s gym training for powerlifting competitions. They go to train three of four days a week, while working different muscles.
The two have been training together since 1994, when they met. They have participated in many competitions together. Now, their practice and hard work has earned them a spot in the Powerlifting Hall of Fame.
They will be inducted into the Hall during the week of Nov. 14-21 at the WABDL (World Association of Benchers and Dead Lifters) World Championship in Las Vegas.
Hagedorn began lifting in prison in 1990, while serving a sentence for selling drugs to support his own habit.
“I had a lot of time on my hands,” said Hagedorn.
While in prison, he knew he had to change the path of drugs and alcohol he was going down.
“In order to change my life, I needed something to replace all the negativity,” said Hagedorn.
Powerlifting provided the catalyst for change for Hagedorn, although he wasn’t originally good at the sport.
“I use powerlifting as an alternative form of discipline,” said Hagedorn.
He kept powerlifting after his release, and met Driskill at a gym. Hagedorn encouraged Driskill to take up powerlifting as well. Driskill was a natural, with his large build.
“He’s as big as a house,” said Hagedorn, explaining Driskill’s nickname.
Since then the two have won the world title for their weight class many times. If they win at this year’s competition, Hagedorn will receive his 10th world title and Driskill will win his 12th.
Hagedorn has also broken several world records. In the raw division, which means he wore no gear, 181 pound weight class at 64 years old, he received high scores with his 410 pound squat, his 510 pound deadlift and his 1125 pound total score.
Hagedorn has not only helped himself stay out of trouble with powerlifting. He has also taken the time to help teach the sport to high school students.
“It (powerlifting) is a program of attraction not promotion,” insists Hagedorn.
When Gold’s Gym was built, the owner promised Hagedorn and other powerlifters a space to practice powerlifting, making it the go-to workout space for the champions. Hagedorn has influenced several other members to take up the sport.