Family members of Paul Anderson visited Moscow
Last weekend, on August 24, 2019, the Russian Weightlifting Federation, together with the Regional Moscow Weightlifting Federation, organized an excursion to Gorky Park for members of Paul Anderson’s family (Glenda Anderson, Paul’s widow and Stephen Leonard, now Glenda’s husband. Paula Anderson Schaefer, Paul’s daughter, and her husband Edward Schaefer).
Guests from the USA met with eyewitnesses of that match meeting of the USSR-USA of 1955.
The meeting was held in a warm and family atmosphere. There were two grandsons of one of the most medaled Russian weightlifters ever who told that their grandfather told them many times over that Paul was his idol and had motivated him to strive to be the best weightlifter he could be. He became a world and Olympic champion. This athlete was Alexei Medvedev, who was Paul’s rival that night in 1955.
Today it brought tears to Paula’s and Glenda’s eyes to see this sight and imagine that night so long ago.
Glenda was then interviewed and asked questions by the large group of members, over 20 + support staff. The group of members were fascinating men of all ages. Members of Paul Anderson’s family expressed such words about the meeting: “Absolutely fascinating and extremely warm and kind! They were retired lifters, coaches, administrators of the Russian team. Again, this is THE sport in Russia.
It was a magnificent day all around. They feted us like royalty. It was hard to leave them. We are so thankful for Randy Strossen connecting us to them. He brought about the celebration which we enjoyed today”.
During the meeting, everyone supported the idea of holding a USA-Russia match meeting again, but now in the USA.
