We are devastated to hear the sad news of Steve Cotter’s passing. Steve had a huge impact on both the functional training and kettlebell communities, helping to bring them into the mainstream.
Steve had a great influence on Wolverson as a company, as we supported his many workshops and events over the years. These were instrumental in forging lifelong friendships and communities that endure to this day.
Steve will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
Our lead designer, Ray Wilson, shares his thoughts on how Steve impacted his life.
“It’s sad to say that the kettlebell community lost one of its originals and best yesterday. Steve Cotter was pivotal in the promotion and development of kettlebell training here in the UK. For many years, Steve taught training seminars and courses both here and across the world. His ability to perform and coach at a very high level influenced countless kettlebell enthusiasts.
Steve inspired students with his incredible strength, flexibility, and athleticism. He encouraged building sound foundations, but then amazed us with eye-popping feats of strength using bodyweight and kettlebells. A calm-natured and thoughtful man, he was full of talent for lifting and coaching.
I certified in the IKFF under Steve Cotter and Ken Blackburn some years ago. Both Steve and Ken are incredibly talented, and their enthusiasm for kettlebell lifting and for creating knowledgeable and skilled teachers was inspiring. I used my instructorship to teach classes at my local martial arts club before setting up my own kettlebell training group. Steve’s teaching methods and ethos were foundational and firmly rooted in my own approach to teaching. Many of my students went on to meet and train with Steve on several occasions.
I trained hard and enjoyed hosting and assisting Steve in seminars both within and outside the UK. Those were great times, and I will cherish the awesome memories of this wonderful teacher and athlete. I know many other IKFF coaches have experienced the same, and that’s one of the remarkable things about Steve—he was always generous and eager to enhance other people’s training abilities and experiences. As a globetrotter for many years, he encouraged this spirit in so many students – how incredible!
The kettlebell community across the UK and the world will feel the loss today of one of its best, but we are thankful to Steve and will remember our roots fondly every time we pick up our bells."
Rest in peace, Steve.
