News

IWF Committee Meetings in Paris

The 3 IWF Committees held their meeting yesterday in Paris, France right before the 2011 World Weightlifting Championships starting on 5 November. During the Joint Meeting, the Minimum Standards for World Championships were discussed, and several other items having cross over interest and impact on the work of the 3 Committees. Technical Committee Among several items of the Technical Committee's agenda, the IWF category 3 International Technical Officials Card was introduced. The Technical Committee gave an update of:Actual technical questions and rule modificationsOscilliation of the barbellPress outBandages and tapesBibs The Committee also discussed the development of the "Electronic Change of Call" system to be used in the warm-up area. Coaching & Research Committee The 2 main tasks of the Meeting were related to the elaboration and distribution of the Level 1 Club Coach Manual DVD, and the preparation of the Level 2. The Coaching & Research Committee is in close cooperation with the Medical Committee on several topics in regard to the Level 2. The Spanish version of the Level 1 Club Coach Manual was completed, and the Arabic, Korean and Thai versions are still in process which is great help to reach out to the largest public. Medical Committee The IWF Medical Committee concentrated on the critical issue of contamination with special regard to Methylhexaneamine and Clenbuterol. The prohibited substances used in weightlifting were largely discussed in view of the cases of 2010 and 2011. Medical Committee Members emphasized on the importance of medical equipment on Word Championships and the need to cooperate with Continental Medical Committees. The IWF would like to thank the Committee Members for their

Highlights on the 2 French bastions

Vencelas DABAYAAfter a year 2010 disrupted by a serious thigh injury, Vencelas took several months of rest in 2011 in order to ensure his full recovery.His pain has gone by now and he recently returned to intensive training.At the 2011 World weightlifting Championships to be held in Paris, France he will perform at best and represent his country. As his teammates, he will aim to obtain quotas for the London 2012 Olympic Games. By then he hopes getting on the Olympic podium again. Benjamin HENNEQUINEncouraged by his latest results; a bronze medal in Total at the European Championships held in Kazan (RUS), Benjamin has worked hard to be part of the World Championships and lift in front of the French audience.He knows that the competition will be tough and therefore he will invest all his resources to be among the bests in his bodyweight category. Of course, just as Vencelas he aims to obtain the Olympic quotas, but if the opportunity for an individual performance arises, he will definitely go for

Kazakh chances

None of the Olympic Champions of Beijing are in a position to repeat their victories at 2009 and 2010 World Championships. Instead of outstanding stars of the different categories we can enjoy sharp competition with field filled by many lifters to establish a claim to the first place on the podium. On the final result lists of Goyang and Antalya we can find only two shining athletes who may grab the maximum three World Championships gold medals during the period between Beijing and London. Both of them are representing Kazakhstan. Maiya Maneza has a chance to defend her title of 2009 and 2010. Maneza without registered result this year has very strong rivals to stop her on the way the grab her third victory in a row.Her compatriot Svetlana Podobedova not marked on 2011 World Ranking List at all will be challenged by the Russian tandem of Zabolotnaya and

Kostova and Hristov to lift for Azerbaijan

Bulgarian weightlifting federation has issued a permit for Boyanka Kostova and Valentin Hristov to compete for Azerbaijan during the forthcoming Wolrd Championships. Kostova was approached by the Azeri delegation right after she won the title at tha First Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Because of a long ongoing dispute about her licence she left her home of birth and decided to accept the option along with her coach Latchezer Kishkilov. The duo left for Baku in summer. Kostova is the niece of former world record holder and champion Plamen Zheliaskov. Hristov competed for Azerbaijan in the last European Championships and was about to receive a gold medal, when was omitted from the official results list due to lack of permit from Bulgaria. In the next few days the two federations will have to work out a transfer fee agreement, explained Nedelcho Kolev, President of Bulgarian

Calancea: Paris is a step towards my Olympic Gold Medal Dream

Grabbing Gold in Clean and Jerk (220 kg) and Bronze in the Total (397 kg) at the 2010 World Weightlifting Championship, Valeriu Calancea (94 kg) had to practice hard to tower his previous results in Paris. „Lia Manoliu" National Sports Centre has become his second home during the last ten years. Or better to say his real home regarding those endless weeks and months he spends here. Valeriu is one of the first golden „implants" in Romanian sports. He comes from Moldavian Republic who changed to represent Romania in 1999 because he's aiming for gold at the Oympics. Next year's Olympic Games means only one dream for him: the gold medal. "Once I want to retire with the most shiny medal hanging around my neck. This is the reason why I keep on fighting hour by hour", Calancea explains. He already has Olympic experiences from Sydney (ranked 10th) and Athens. "I wanted to leave my place of birth as I thought I will be given more chances in another country combined with more money to prepare for great championships. I have no regret for my decision." Calancea added. "Two or three times a year I get home. Leaving trainings often destroys your rhythm; therefore you have to start from scratch when you return"The curtain in Paris is going to be raised soon. "I always get nervous. It is difficult to be cold-blooded when you are fighting for a medal. Besides that, the fact that you cannot disappoint others adds to the tension", he says. A year ago he missed his last attempt, Clean and Jerk with 226 kilos, which could have given him Gold in Overall. "This year I prepared better not to make a mistake like that…". Written by Dumitru

Updates about the Turkish Women Team

The first gold medal will be decided in the women's Weightlifting 48 kg category, scheduled to begin on 5th November at 5:00 pm. One of the hot favorites is Turkish Olympic, World and six times European champion Nurcan Taylan. According to Dr Hasan Akkus President of Turkish Federation Taylan's preparation was undisturbed for Paris and she is in good shape. She celebrated her birthday during this weekend (28 years old) and ready to defend her World Championships title. But where are the other stars of Turkish women team? Olympic and Word Championships silver medallist Sibel Ozkan (48 kg) hasn't got involved in training for a long time because she got married this summer. Two times Europen Champion Sibel Simsek (63 kg) neither will compete in Paris as her knee was operated in August.