Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Time: Weigh-ins begin at 10 a.m., lifting begins 10:30
Meet director: Beth Skwarecki (bethskw@gmail.com)
Location: Pittsburgh, PA (north hills area – contact meet director for address)
Entry form: Please fill out the entry form here. Email Beth with any questions.
With so many new people having joined USAWA in the past few years, and now a brand new crop of world record holders in Canada, I’d like to highlight a very special upcoming meet all our members should know about: the 2024 IAWA Gold Cup, to be held on November 2 in Norwood, MA, near Boston.
The Gold Cup is an international record breaker event, where lifters choose an IAWA lift to contest. The catch is that all attempts, even your opener, must be done at a record breaking poundage. The winner is the person who does the most impressive lift, as calculated through Blindt coefficients. (More on the scoring in a minute.)
The Gold Cup is not held on US soil very often; in other years you might have to fly to Australia or the UK to compete. But for 2024, the Gold Cup is coming to us, and is being hosted in Norwood, Massachusetts, presented by Frank’s Barbell Club. The full information on how to enter the Gold Cup is here, including information about the banquet and recommendations for local hotels.
There are two eligibility requirements for lifters to compete in the Gold Cup.
The day begins (after weigh-ins) with the Silver Cup, a choose-your-own-lift competition for those who do not already hold an IAWA world record. So don’t skip this meet just because you haven’t had a chance to set a world record yet! You can still compete in the Silver Cup and, in the process, perhaps earn your first world record.
Then comes the Gold Cup. Lifters may choose any IAWA lift that has a Blindt coefficient. The Blindt coefficients are sort of a “difficulty factor” that is used to compare lifts to each other. Lifts that are typically done with light weights have higher Blindt coefficients; those that are typically done with heavy weights have low Blindt coefficients. Each lifter’s score is multiplied by the Blindt coefficient for the lift they did.
For example, the highest Blindt coefficient is 5.4637, for the One Hand Pinch Grip Clean and Press. The lowest is 0.0955, for the Harness Lift. That means a 20-kilogram pinch grip clean and press is roughly equivalent to a 1,144-kilogram harness lift. The Blindt coefficients are calculated from existing world records, so they reflect the weights people have actually managed to lift.
The usual age, gender, and bodyweight adjustments are all used as well. This competition format means that two lifters can be of different ages, different weight classes, different genders, and choose different lifts for the competition–and they can still be ranked against each other to determine a winner.
The last few winners of the Gold Cup include:
To enter the Gold Cup (or the Silver Cup), you can find the information and entry form here. (Choose your lift from among the lifts in the IAWA Rule Book here.) The competition is held on November 2, 2024, but entries close a month earlier, on October 2, 2024. So you have about a month to choose your lift and sign up!
by Chris Frappier
The True North True Strength 2024 Open was a truly exhilarating event that set a new benchmark in Canadian weightlifting. Held at Anytime Fitness in Fergus, Ontario, on Sunday, August 25, 2024, this USAWA-sanctioned international competition marked a historic first for Canada, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
With 20 athletes—16 from Canada and four from the United States—the event was a vibrant showcase of both seasoned lifters and enthusiastic newcomers. Remarkably, aside from Chris Frappier and his son Kyle Frappier, all the Canadian athletes were making their debut in a USAWA event. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, with around 40 to 50 spectators, including gym members and family, adding to the excitement. The crowd’s thunderous cheers not only lifted the lifters’ spirits but also created a thrilling challenge, making it a bit tough for them to catch the officials’ “down” command.
Clint Poore, from the USA, added a special touch as the event emcee. His deep-toned voice, Southern Kentucky charm, and infectious sense of humor amplified the event’s excitement and kept the audience engaged throughout the day. His vibrant presence made the event even more memorable and enjoyable.
The competition was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring the Hackenschmidt Floor Press and the Trap Bar Deadlift. Clint Poore set a new national record with an impressive 430-pound Hackenschmidt Floor Press. Five Canadian women made history by setting or breaking world records: Alix McGregor, Aimee Young, Amanda Martinoni, Judy Hutchison, and Denise Bowen. On the men’s side, the Trap Bar Deadlift also saw two world records rewritten: one by Clint Poore, who surpassed his own record, and another by Chris Frappier, who shattered a 20-year-old record with a phenomenal 500-pound lift. Additionally, Beth Skwarecki and Allison Lupo from the USA set national records, with Beth also establishing a world record in the Trap Bar Deadlift. A complete list of the results from the main competition: “True North True Strength 2024 Open” and the “True North True Strength Record Session A” listed below this article. Both competitions were USAWA sanctioned events.
Music played a crucial role in maintaining high energy levels throughout the competition. A special Spotify playlist featuring songs submitted by the athletes themselves added a personal touch and kept everyone motivated. The “True North True Strength 2024 Open” official competition playlist is available on Spotify, allowing everyone to relive the electrifying atmosphere of the event.
The day was filled with personal bests and inspiring moments. We witnessed 78-year-old Alix McGregor from Canada competing for the first time and setting a world record in the Trap Bar Deadlift for her age and bodyweight division. Not to be outdone, 79-year-old Joe Somfay, also from Canada, achieved an impressive three world records in the afternoon records session. Canadian athletes collectively set 18 world records, while American competitors added another eight to the tally.
The afternoon record session provided an opportunity for athletes to attempt world records across over 200 possible lifts. Chris Frappier, who organized the event in honor of his late mother and to support women in the sport, reflected on the day’s success with pride. The event was a celebration of incredible achievements and a testament to the strength and unity of the weightlifting community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our local Centre Wellington community sponsors whose support made this event possible: Anytime Fitness (Fergus location), ALCO Visuals, Grand River Physiotherapy, co-operators Craig Janzen & Associates Inc., Graham A. Giddy Funeral Homes Ltd., Wightman Telecom, Two Wheel Motorsport, YOUTOPIA Medical Spa, Station Earth, Summit Laser and Manufacturing Ltd., and H&R Machine. Special thanks also go to our event sponsors: Popeye’s Supplements (Guelph location), Nemesis Grips, and Inclusive Fitness. Your support was instrumental in making this event a grand success.
A big thank you to our dedicated volunteers—Paula Frappier, Tommy Forsythe, Chris Garland, and Gerry & Teresa Brummelhuis—whose hard work and dedication were crucial in ensuring the smooth running of the event. Your contributions were deeply appreciated.
We are also incredibly grateful to our officials, Beth Skwarecki, Tony Lupo, and Clint Poore, who traveled from the USA to officiate the event. Their commitment, passion, and expertise were essential in making the competition a resounding success.
For more event-related posts and content, follow @truenorth_truestrength on Instagram or Chris Frappier on Facebook.
If you’re interested in participating in future weightlifting events, check out the “Upcoming Events” list on the USAWA website at USAWA or visit IAWA for more information.
The True North True Strength 2024 Open will be cherished not only for its record-breaking feats but also for the inspiring spirit and community that defined this unforgettable day.
Lift: Hackenschmidt Floor Press
| # | Name | Country | Gender | KG Class | Age | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Record Type |
| 1 | Beth Skwarecki | USA | F | 70 KG | 40+ | 245 | 111.1 | National |
| 2 | Clint Poore | USA | M | 115 KG | 50+ | 430 | 195.0 | national |
Lift: Trap Bar Deadlift
| # | Name | Country | Gender | KG Class | Age | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Record Type |
| 1 | Beth Skwarecki | USA | F | 70 KG | 40+ | 305 | 138.3 | National |
| 2 | Allison Lupo | USA | F | 90 KG | 55+ | 200 | 90.7 | National |
| 3 | Clint Poore | USA | M | 115 kg | 50+ | 475 | 215.5 | National |
Lift: Trap Bar Deadlift
| # | Name | Country | Gender | KG Class | Age | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Record Type |
| 1 | Beth Skwarecki | USA | F | 70 KG | 40+ | 305 | 138.3 | World |
| 2 | Aimee Young | CANADA | F | 65 KG | 45+ | 255 | 115.7 | World |
| 3 | Alix McGregor | CANADA | F | 55 KG | 75+ | 130 | 59.0 | World |
| 4 | Judy Hutchison | CANADA | F | 115 KG | 50+ | 240 | 108.9 | World |
| 5 | Denise Bowen | CANADA | F | 65 KG | 60+ | 230 | 104.3 | World |
| 6 | Clint Poore | USA | M | 115 KG | 50+ | 475 | 215.5 | World |
| 7 | Chris Frappier | CANADA | M | 95 KG | 55+ | 500 | 226.8 | World |
| Lift | Name | Country | Gender | KG Class | Age | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Record Type |
| Turkish Getup | Beth Skwarecki | USA | F | 70 KG | 40+ | 50 | 22.7 | World & National |
| Reflex Clean & Push Press | Beth Skwarecki | USA | F | 70 KG | 40+ | 115 | 52.2 | World & National |
| One Hand (Left) Mix Team Deadlift with Chris Frappier | Beth Skwarecki | USA | F | 95 KG | 40+ | 405 | 183.7 | World |
| One Hand (Left) Mix Team Deadlift with Beth Skwarecki | Chris Frappier | CANADA | M | 95 KG | 40+ | 405 | 183.7 | World |
| Team Deadlift (Mix) with Tony Lupo | Allison Lupo | USA | F | 110 KG | 55+ | 450 | 204.1 | World & National |
| Team Deadlift (Mix) with Allison Lupo | Tony Lupo | USA | M | 110 KG | 55+ | 450 | 204.1 | World & National |
| Turkish Getup | Tony Lupo | USA | M | 110 KG | 55+ | 10 | 4.5 | World & National |
| Clean & Push Press – 2 Dumbbells | Tony Lupo | USA | M | 110 KG | 55+ | 100 | 45.4 | National |
| Turkish Getup | Amanda Martinoni | CANADA | F | 80 KG | Open | 50 | 22.7 | World |
| Dumbbell Walk (Right Hand) | Amanda Martinoni | CANADA | F | 80 KG | Open | 48 | 21.8 | World |
| Turkish Getup | Aimee Young | CANADA | F | 65 KG | 45+ | 62 | 28.1 | World |
| Dumbbell Walk (Right Hand) | Aimee Young | CANADA | F | 65 KG | 45+ | 50 | 22.7 | World |
| Turkish Getup | Denise Bowen | CANADA | F | 65 KG | 60+ | 35 | 15.9 | World |
| Dumbbell Walk (Right Hand) | Denise Bowen | CANADA | F | 65 KG | 60+ | 36 | 16.3 | World |
| Turkish Getup | Nathan Joyes | CANADA | M | 100 KG | 40+ | 70 | 31.8 | World |
| Overhead Squat | Nathan Joyes | CANADA | M | 100 KG | 40+ | 115 | 52.2 | World |
| Shanks Lift (Dinnie Deadlift) | Joe Somfay | CANADA | M | 85 KG | 75+ | 285 | 129.3 | World |
| Dumbbell Walk (Right Hand) | Joe Somfay | CANADA | M | 85 KG | 75+ | 50 | 22.7 | World |
| Dumbbell Walk (Left Hand) | Joe Somfay | CANADA | M | 85 KG | 75+ | 50 | 22.7 | World |
Updated 9/2/2024 to correct the trap bar record list. Amanda Martinioni’s 4th attempt for record was incorrectly recorded as a successful lift, and this has now been corrected.
Hey folks, the Executive Board is making a few small changes to the rules around the Weaver Stick lift, to resolve some discrepancies in how it’s written in the rulebook versus how the records have historically been kept. We are not changing the rules of how the lift is performed (you can read more about the rules and their history here), just the way attempts are made and records are kept.
The Weaver Stick is a one-handed lift, but unlike most other one-handed lifts, records have not been kept for right and left hands separately. If we were to start keeping right and left handed records, we would need to do something about the current records that do not indicate which hand they were set with. In the end the Executive Board (EB) decided it would be best to keep the records as they are, and change the rulebook to grant the Weaver Stick an exception to the handedness rule. Weaver Stick records will continue to be kept without a left or right hand designation.
Another discrepancy lies in the use of fractional weights for the Weaver Stick. As anyone who has done it will know, an increase of, say, half a pound from one attempt to another is quite substantial. Fractional pounds are generally not allowed in the record book, but requiring Weaver Stick records to be broken by a full pound in weight was deemed by the EB to be inappropriate. Fractional pounds will continue to be allowed for Weaver Stick attempts and records. The minimum weight by which to exceed a record shall be 1/4 of a pound.
Finally, the Reverse Weaver Stick lift has not had its own entry in the rulebook, but the rulebook does state that records shall be kept for this lift in the reverse direction as well as the forward direction. To the best of the board members’ knowledge, past records were all done in the forward direction, but we also know that several Weaver Stick lifts at 2024 Nationals were done in the reverse direction and noted as such. The Reverse Weaver Stick lift shall be added to the rulebook and record book.
In taking these actions, the board is doing our best to honor the tradition in which this lift has been done, while also maintaining consistency in the rules in our rulebook. We expect these changes to allow for the Weaver Stick lift to be officiated and recorded appropriately going forward, in a way that provides minimal disruption to the existing records. These changes will be made in a forthcoming edition of the Rulebook.
(A procedural note: Significant rule changes are normally done with a vote at the Annual Meeting, but according to the rules of the USAWA such a vote is only required for changes to the Bylaws and for approving new lifts. The EB has the authority to make all other appropriate and reasonable changes. That said, the membership may overrule EB decisions by majority vote. If anybody has questions or concerns about this rule change, please direct those to the Secretary at bethskw@gmail.com.)
LOCATION: SOMERSET, KENTUCKY
MEET DIRECTOR: CLINT POORE
REFEREES: ASHLEY STEARNS, PATRICK HADLEY, HOLLAND MILLSAPS, JARROD GADDIS, CLINT POORE
ALL LIFTS RECORDED IN LBS & ALL BODYWEIGHT IN KILOS
NAME, AGE, BODYWEIGHT, WEIGHT CLASS, HACKENSCHMIDT FLOOR PRESS, PEOPLES DEADLIFT, TOTAL LBS, TOTAL POINTS, PLACE
WOMEN’S DIVISION
ALEXANDRIA MCDONALD 17 52 55 KG 140 200 340 463.53 1
MINDY HASTE 33 67.8 70 KG 0 335 335 357.54 2
MEN’S DIVISION
JARROD GADDIS 47 130 125+ KG 436 630 1066 854.13 1
NOAH DABBS 41 122 125+ KG 355 700 1055 823.32 2
ASHLEY STEARNS 44 83.4 85 KG 315 505 820 801.56 3
RICKY DICKERSON 66 88.2 90 KG 275 405 680 790.24 4
HOLLAND MILLSAPS 43 125 125 KG 385 650 1035 782.56 5
JACOB TRAXLER 28 84.4 85 KG 275 550 825 768.24 6
JEFF TRENT 55 145.1 125+ KG 315 625 940 768.19 7
CALEB DAY 31 119.9 120 KG 300 650 950 733.11 8
JAMES HALL 53 90 90 KG 400 300 700 716.28 9
ALLEN FAGG 46 148.5 125+ KG 330 625 955 712.23 10
JERRY WILSON 56 85.8 90 KG 230 410 640 690.69 11
RANDY RICHEY 62 107.2 110 KG 220 420 640 642.91 12
GREG COOPER 49 142.6 125+ KG 305 460 765 597.63 13
TOBIAS ORTEGA 44 69.1 70 KG 195 315 510 564.62 14
MICHAEL COTNEY 51 106.6 110 KG 225 375 600 550.43 15
DAVID CORBIN 31 99.9 100 KG 155 425 580 491.61 16
TIM PAUL 64 133.3 125+ KG 155 350 505 462.71 17
DONNIE HASTE 34 157.9 125+ KG 0 505 505 342.29 18
CLINT POORE 50 111.6 115 KG 425 505 930 825.84 19
SPECIAL OLYMPICS DIVISION
DAVID PAUL 28 97.4 100 KG 250 250 500 429.6 1