Yanto Soekardi, was born April 22, 1963 and he died May 30, 2019. He lifted in WABDL from 1999 to 2014. At 220# he lifted 700.8 pounds and at 242# he pulled 722.0. He set 14 world records in the Law- Firemen division and won 9 world championships.

Yanto was a super humble man with a low-key personality. I can’t say enough good about him. I have heard that he provided dead lift suits for people he barely knew – people unable to get them on their own – so they could compete in the sport he loved.

Yanto turned down earlier suggestions that he be inducted into the WABDL Hall of Fame because of his failing health. However, this year at worlds, 2019, Yanto Soekardi will be given this honor he earned for his lifting and support of lifters here.

~Gus Rethwisch