All four of Phillip Kleid's grandparents migrated to Australia at the end of the 19th century. Following the tragic death of his young mother, Phil, a skinny Sydneysider, developed an interest in weightlifting. His skill and devotion to the sport won him countless trophies, gained him induction into two Halls of Fame and secured his official appointments at two Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games.

Fortunately for Jewish sport in Melbourne, Phil's marriage brought him to this city where he devoted decades to training and supporting young athletes at the AJAX Gymnasium, an organisation he helped found. In later years he achieved high honours in lawn bowls and is still a keen bowler and golfer.

He remains inspired by his loving family and greatly respected by the sporting community to which he gave so much.