Athlete of the Year
By Eric Todd
Abe Smith awarded Athlete of the Year
Athlete of the year is described as follows
This award is for the individual who has accomplished the most athletically within the last year in the USAWA. Top placings at the Nationals and World Championships should figure in high. Also, participation in other Championship Competitions such as the Heavy Lift Championships, the Grip Championships, the Club Championships, the OTSM Championships, the Team Championships, or the National Postal Championships could factor in. Participation in elite IAWA events such as the Gold Cup should make an influence on earning this award as well.
For the second year in a row, this accolade goes to Abe Smith. I have known Abe for around 20 years, and have been beaten in competitions by Abe for about 20 years. Any of you that know Abe know that he is in contention to win just about any meet he enters. Since nationals last year, Abe won the second quarter postal. He was fourth by formula in the Clark’s Gym vs frank’s Barbell Club postal challenge. He completed all the lifts at the Clark’s Birthday weekend meet, and won three events outright. He was overall best lifter in the 2022 Andy Goddard World Postal and was second in the National Postal Championship. Abe won the Zercher Strength classic, and was fourth in the first quarter postal. Abe is always a tough competitor, and is very deserving of this recognition. Congrats, Abe!