Russel "Russ" Prior (July 11, 1949 – February 17, 2017)[2] was a Canadian weightlifter, who represented Canada at international competitions.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario,[2] Prior first became interested in weightlifting at the age of 15, after reading about the lifting performance of a local resident in a newspaper.

His father built a gym in their house's basement, and Prior won multiple events at the CANUSA Games.

He participated at the 1976 Summer Olympics in the 110 kg event,[4] and is credited with a ninth-place finish.

[5] Prior retired from the sport and moved to Winnipeg, where he became a high school teacher.