COLUMBUS, OHIO – Following the inaugural appearance of weightlifting at the Arnold Fitness Expo, USA Weightlifting president Dennis Snethen, the national weightlifting team, coaches, the competition directors and a couple of photographers were whisked from the competition venue to meet with Arnold Schwarzenegger at his hotel.

Arnold addressed the group, describing how he had begun as a weightlifter, and he declared, "I love Olympic weightlifting."

Arnold said that he had been instrumental in bringing weightlifting to the Expo and wanted it to be a part of the show each year. USAW president Dennis Snethen presented Arnold with a letter from USAW executive director Wes Barnett, inviting Arnold to be the Honorary Team Captain of the USA weightlifting team at the 2004 Olympics.