Stan Bailey - Hall of Fame Induction

We’re pleased to announce that Stan Bailey has been posthumously inducted into the NY WSO Hall of Fame as a Significant Contributor.

As an athlete, Stan proudly represented Trinidad and Tobago as an Olympian. He was also a multi-time New York State and Police Olympics champion and record holder. Outside of weightlifting, Stan was a highly skilled bowler who came close to turning professional.

As a coach with the Titan Weightlifting Association, Stan was easygoing and made friends with everyone he met. He was incredibly supportive of all athletes—whether they were just starting out or competing at the highest level. His iconic phrase, “Remember who you are,” is still printed on the team’s T-shirts to this day.

Stan’s home and gym were always open. He often invited international lifters to stay and train with Titan, fostering a unique and welcoming environment. One notable guest was Tony Urrutia of Cuba. As Dr. Richard Seibert recalls: “It was great to have a world record holder and world champion training shoulder to shoulder with us!”

As an administrator, Stan served the local weightlifting community from 1978 to 2010. He was the longtime president of the Metropolitan LWC (now the NY WSO) and, as chairman of the Empire State Games, helped unite lifters from across the state for what was once New York’s premier annual competition.

Dr. Richard Seibert reflected: “Stanley was always calling the shots… If he wasn’t competing, he was coaching. If he wasn’t coaching, he was the regional chair. If he wasn’t the regional chair, he was the state chair.”

Dr. Seibert also shared a favorite memory: “I was announcing at the Empire State Games, and Stanley, at the time, had essentially ‘adopted’ a young lifter from Turkmenistan, Mahmoud Togoev. So I called him to the platform and said: ‘Formally lifting for Turkmenistan, now lifting for Bailey–Stan!’”

Stan Bailey played a pivotal role in shaping the sport of weightlifting in New York. There are countless stories of the ways Stan Bailey impacted our community—locally and internationally. His legacy extends far beyond the sport, as he helped people not only become better athletes, but better human beings.

We’re deeply grateful for all Stan Bailey contributed to the sport and our lives. It’s an honor to now recognize him in our Hall of Fame.

Click here to view the NY WSO Hall of Fame.