Born in Bristol, England, in April 1939, John Potter developed an interest in weightlifting as a sport at around 16 years of age. Following in his father's footsteps as a weightlifter, he had already achieved some remarkable records by the age of 19.

In 1961, John moved to Rhodesia to work, and by 1966 he was Rhodesian Power Lifting Champion. Returning to the United Kingdom in 1971, he became a county power lifting champion, opening his own gym in 1991. John and his wife Louise are now in their 80s and keep fit working in their cottage garden in Wiltshire.