"I attended the O.H.F [Oscar Heidenstam Foundation] annual dinner and awards for the first time [Saturday night]" Laine Snook reported to IronMind®.


Laine Snook, a former world record holder on the Rolling Thunder®, shows his grip strength at the OHF dinner this past weekend, as he deadlifts a replica Inch Dumbbell and the Millennium Dumbbell. IronMind® | Donna Snook photo.
 

"Sadly, it would appear that this was going to be the last dinner. I think, and I am sure all others would agree, that this great reunion should continue and hopefully things will change to allow people to continue to enjoy many more of this great event. I went to the dinner to see my old Shot Putt coach Geoff Capes receive an award for outstanding contribution to Physical Culture, and it was also great to meet and socialise with so many legends of yesteryear and the present day," Snook said.

"I was lucky enough to be seated at a table with Mr. John Gallagher - the first man [after Thomas Inch, himself] to lift the Inch Dumbbell, way back in 1957. I think that he should get a special mention in the IronMind® News for this great achievement; he is a true gentleman and I hope to see more of him in the near future.

"At the end of a great evening I was asked to do a few 'party tricks' and managed to clean the Inch Dumbbell with one hand and also do a full deadlift with the Millennium Dumbbell in my left hand and the Inch Dumbbell in my right. I stood with them for several seconds and returned them to the floor under control. I am pleased to report that I can still walk today - slower than normal, but still walking! I have attached a few photos for you taken by my wife Donna - I am sure you will agree that I turn a lovely shade of purple.

"David Webster was in attendance if you need clarification of the lifts," Snook added.