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In 2013, Hall suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.[1]

Hall was featured in the book "When Winning Cost too Much".[2]

In 1996, Hall was inducted into Delaware’s Sports Hall of Fame.[3]

Powerlifting career[edit]

During the mid-1970s, Hall became the all-marine Heavyweight-Powerlifting Champion several times. He was considered as one of the strongest marine in his time[4].

Shortly after Hall's honorable discharge from the service, he followed his father, John Westley Hall's, footsteps and became a long distance truck driver. However, Hall struggled to find peace as he constantly reflected back to the statement made by his captain: “You’ll never be a champion without steroids.” Hall had a goal and plan to be a World Powerlifting Champion and prove to youth that you don’t have to buy your muscles to be a champion.

Hall used his entire powerlifting career as a speaking platform. He spoke to the youth about the dangers of anabolic steroids and gave strength demonstration to schools, prisons, and churches while he competed in National and World championships. Although he was burning candles on both ends, his faith in God and his determination to succeed without steroids lifted him to heights, his size and strength alone could not reach.

Hall entered the National platform with the ADFPA in 1983. He won 2nd place in his first Nationals at the ADFPA Nationals in Allentown Pa. with 1862lbs (846kg)[5] total while setting a National and American record in the deadlift. The following year, he went on to win the 1984 ADFPA Nationals setting an American and National record in the deadlift 722lbs(328kg) and total 2033lbs (924kg[5]). Hall was credited for being the first ADFPA drug-free lifter to break the 2000lbs total at a National competition. His goal and mission was to be a World Champion in both World federations, International Powerlifting Federation and World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation (IPF/WDFPF). Unfortunately, the WDFPF was not formed until 1988. Hall decided, the only way he could compete in an IPF World Championships was by winning the United States Powerlifting Federation (USPF) Senior Nationals. Although USPF Nationals did not drug test,[6] he knew he was a threat to top powerlifting totals set by lifters whose strength was increased by drugs almost 25 percent. Nonetheless, it was not about the top powerlifters, it was about the integrity of the sport and making an impact on our youth to stay drug-free.

In July of 1985, Hall participated in his first USPF Senior Nationals and took 3rd place in the SHW division behind the great Doyle Kenady and George Hector, Hall posted a 2171.5lbs (987kg) total. Two weeks later, Hall took 1st place at the [7]1985 ADFPA Nationals in Wilks Barre Pa. His winning lifts included squat 865lbs (393kg), bench press 578lbs(262.7kg), and his first attempt deadlift of 716lbs( 325kg), which barely missed 760lbs (345kg), while posting the highest ADFPA drug tested total 2160lbs (981kg) that broke the 2100-pound barrier. Powerlifting USA Magazine stated: "lifting this often and doing well is quite a challenge for a big man". Hall attempted the first 600lbs bench in ADFPA history on a fourth attempt and was good for 2300lbs total. During that time, there were a lot of discussions, from the fitness and powerlifting world, whether it was possible for a drug-free lifter to break the 2200lbs and 2300lbs total barrier. Later that same year, in November, Hall competed at the ADFPA Longhorn Open/Collegiate Powerlifting competition held by Dr. Terry and Jan Todd in Austin, Texas and shocked the powerlifting world by posting the highest total in history lifted by a drug-tested lifter. A record-breaking 2303lbs (1046,8kg ). His lifts consisted of 925lbs (420kg) squat w/wraps, 584lbs (265kg) Raw bench press and a 793lbs (360kg) Raw deadlift. He officially became the first lifter in ADFPA history and the first man to break the 2200 and 2300-pound barrier without the aid of Anabolic steroids. In addition, Hall set an American and unofficial world record in all three lifts and total.[8] Hall ranked second in the top 100 Super heavyweight division.[9]

In April of 1986, Hall won the super heavyweight division in the ADFPA North American Powerlifting competition in Wilkes-Barre, Pa[10]. Hall was looking for a 2350 total, but was not quite there. He squatted 905lbs[10] missing 940lbs twice. He totaled 2250lbs[10] and became the first ADFPA lifter in history to officially bench press 600lbs [10](272.7kg) drug free. In the 1988 Boys Life Magazine, Dennis Brady, the president of the American Drug-free Powerlifting Association at that time quoted, "Mike Hall is an unusual drug-free lifter, and He’s able to compete with anyone”[11]. In July of 1986, Hall returned to the USPF Senior National platform and shared the platform alone[12][13][14]. A small caption in the Powerlifting USA magazine read, “Why was he unopposed” [12], Nonetheless, Hall posted an easy 2265lbs (1029.5kg) total which ultimately secured him a spot to represent the United States in his first IPF World Championships later in November. Two weeks after the USPF victory, Hall competed in ADFPA Nationals in San Jose California and took first place at the ADFPA with a 2232lbs (1014.5kg) total with a close miss with a 942lbs (9428.1kg), but he set a National bench press record of 617lbs(280.4kg). In November 1986, Hall entered his first IPF World Championships in The Hague, Holland[15][16]. Despite experiencing severe jet lag and travelers upset stomach, Hall won the gold with a 2160lb (9818kg) total.[15][16].

In 1986, Hall posted the highest drug tested total (981.8kg) at a IPF World Championships. The IPF began drug testing in 1983[17]. In 1983, Bill Kazmaier posted a total of 975kg, Lee Moran in 1984 had posted a total of 977.5kg, and in 1984 George Hector posted a total of 947.5kg total[18].

Picture by James M. Glovier. Dagsboro Road Sign: Home of Mike Hall - The World's Strongest Drug Free Man
Picture by James M. Glovier. Dagsboro Road Sign: Home of Mike Hall - The World's Strongest Drug Free Man

In April of 1987, Hall won the gold medal while representing the United States at the Pan-Am Powerlifting Championships in Ontario, Canada with a 2221lbs (1009.5kg) total[19]. Hall returned to the 1987 USPF Senior Nationals scene in July, and posted a 2210lbs (1004.5) total defeating OD Wilson and Vic Kennedy for first place[20][21]. Due to his busy speaking schedule with schools[22][23][24], Hall decided not to defend his title at the ADFPA Nationals that year. At the 1987 IPF World Championship in Oslo, Norway, Hall took second place[18] behind Sweden’s Lars Noren, with a 2210lbs (1004.5) total, and he became the first American lifter to break the 900lbs (409kg) squat and 2200lbs total drug tested.


In April 1988 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Hall entered the Budweiser Record Breaker meet. Although a lot of tension was present at the meet during his drug-free presence, the children at St. Jude Hospital embraced the gentle giant. The judges turned down both of Hall's squats, but he still posted a 2270.7lbs(1032.1)[25] total winning over Antony Clark and James Mersberg. Hall returned to the 1988 USPF Senior Nationals but was disappointed in the outcome after the inaccurate weigh-in. The decision was made that he received second place although; both Wilson and Hall came up with the exact same total[26]. October 25, 1988, in San Diego California, Hall made history by competing at the first World Corporate Games and winning the Gold with a 2160lbs (982kg) total. The night preceding the ADFPA Lifetime Drug-Free Nationals in Tempe, Arizona, Hall spoke to 8000 kids during a “Say No to Drugs” seminar and lifting exhibition. While squatting at the exhibition, due to limited equipment, Hall injured his hand returning the bar back in the rack[27]. He showed definite signs of the 2400 plus total despite it all. Hall, at that time, posted the highest drug tested total ever lifted by an American Superheavyweight lifter with 2336.9lbs (1062kg)

On July 1989, Hall took first place in the USPF Senior National with a 2232lbs (1014.5kg) total[28]. Two weeks later, he repeated his success in Wilkes Barre Pa, by defending his ADFPA national title. His winning total was an impressive 2281lbs (1037.1kg)[29]. Later, Hall was also chosen to represent the United States in the WDFPF World Championships in Meaux, France. While training for the 1989 IPF World Championships in November, he experienced severe nerve and neck pain, in which Hall was later diagnosed with severe cervical spinal stenosis. Finally, he decided to wait for surgery until after the IPF Worlds in November and WDFPF Worlds in France. At the IPF World Championships in Canada, Powerlifting USA said, "Hall was expected to have smooth sailing but dark clouds threatened when the 397 pounder injured himself in the squat". He only made his opener in the bench 523lbs (237.7kg) and on his opening deadlift; it was clear that something was wrong with Mike. Even the warm-up room 225lbs gave him pain. Hall could not budge his second attempt off of the floor because of the pain he was experiencing. Mike Lambert, editor of Powerlifting USA Magazine quoted, "Few people realized the intensity of Mike's effort to win the super heavy title at the fantastic IPF Worlds in Canada[27][30]". His title was in danger and he thought of all the kids that heard his drug free message, "drug free is the champion way". Hall prayed, and he felt no pain until after the 705lbs deadlift he needed was successfully completed. An American hero, Hall won both the IPF World Championships in November 1989 and WDFPF World Championships in 1990. Despite his complicated injuries, (ruptured disk, torn oblique muscle and neck injury) Hall set a new WDFPF world bench press of 529lbs (240.4kg)[30]. After the WDFPF Worlds, he had hoped to return to the iron game, but his injuries became a thorn in his side. In 1991, Hall retired from the lifting platform.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference HAttack was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference BookWinning was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ http://www.desports.org/inductees/1996/
  4. ^ "1996 Inductees". Delaware Sports Museum and Hall Of Fame. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  5. ^ a b "A.D.F.P.A National Championship, July 29, 30, 31, Allentown, Pennsylvania" (PDF). Powerlifting USA. 7 (3): 17. 1 September 1983. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  6. ^ "United States Powerlifting Federation (USPF)". Powerlifting Watch. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference WorldPowerliftingChampionship was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Groller, Keith. "35 years ago, the fight against steroids began in Allentown". The Morning Call. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  9. ^ "Powerlifting USA Magazine Top 100 SHW/125+ kg" (PDF). POWERLISFTING USA. 9 (9): 36. April 1986. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  10. ^ a b c d "ADFPA North Americans 5, 6 April 86 - Wilkes-Barre, PA: Super Heavy Wt" (PDF). POWERLIFTING USA. 9 (12): 47. 1 July 1986. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference ”strongestdoesitnaturally” was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ a b "U.S.P.F. SENIORS Report" (PDF). POWERLIFTING USA. 10 (2): 12. 1 September 1986. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  13. ^ "U.S.P.F. SENIORS Report" (PDF). POWERLIFTING USA. 10 (2): 12. 1 September 1986. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  14. ^ "A.D.F.P.A. Top 20 125+kg SHW" (PDF). POWERLIFTING USA. 10 (2): 55. 1 September 1986. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  15. ^ a b "I.P.F. Worlds/13-16 Nov 86/ The Hague, Holland" (PDF). POWERLIFTING USA. 10 (6): 9–10. 1 January 1987. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  16. ^ a b "Everybody wanted to see Mike Hall, and the Big Man didn't disappoint them" (PDF). POWERLIFTING USA. 10 (6): 10. 1 January 1987. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  17. ^ Easter, Michael. "What Powerlifting Tells Us About The Effects Of PEDs". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  18. ^ a b "WORLD MEN'S POWERLIFTING 1974 - 1987". IPF International Powerlifting Federation. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  19. ^ Cite error: The named reference PanAm1987 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  20. ^ Kravtsov, Pete. "USPF Men's Senior Nationals 1987". ALLPOWERLIFTING.COM. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  21. ^ "Hall, Mike". ALLPOWERLIFTING.COM. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  22. ^ Bozzini, Dani. "Local legend hopes to inspire youth to follow their dreams". 47abc. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  23. ^ Cite error: The named reference Speaker1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  24. ^ Frederick, Cindy. "World's strongest does it naturally". Daily Collegian. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  25. ^ Lambert, Mike (8 April 1988). "Hawaii Budweiser World Record Breakers Meet" (PDF). Powerlifting USA. 11 (11): 4–5. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  26. ^ Lambert, Mike (9 July 1988). "USPF Senior Nationals" (PDF). Powerlifting USA. 12 (2): 8.
  27. ^ a b Lambert, Mike (1 April 1990). "Power Profile: Mike Hall as told by Mike Lambert, PlusA" (PDF). PowerliftingUSA. 13 (9): 4. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  28. ^ Cite error: The named reference USPF1989” was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  29. ^ Lambert, Mike (14 July 1989). "USPF Seniors July 1989" (PDF). Powerlifting USA. 13 (2): 15. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  30. ^ a b "Notes on 89 IPF championships" (PDF). Powerlifting USA. 13 (6): 11. 13 November 1985. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
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