News

Coaching Course in Bangkok, Thailand

Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (TAWA) has just concluded a Coaching Course in the framework of the IWF Development Program 2016. The program was called “Advanced Level for Coach” and was held on 16–18 December 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand. Main objectives were to develop and strengthen coaching knowledge on an advanced level i.e. Weightlifting Injury and Rehabilitation Exercises, Speed and Agility Training, Strength and Power Training, IWF & WADA “Say NO! To Doping” awareness. Coaches from the region also participated; like Lao People's Democratic Republic. The attendees were honored by the presence of Major General Intarat YODBANGTOEY, IWF Vice President and IWF Coaching and Research Committee Chairman. He presented the lectures with special focus on the IWF Development Program 2016: Advanced Level for Coach. All attendees were handed an IWF

German Weightlifting Federation BVDG Elections

German Weightlifting Federation BVDG shows unity During the Electoral Congress on 10 December, the regional federations of the German Weightlifting Federation demonstrated unity as President Christian Baumgartner was re-elected unanimously for another four year term to his post. Alexander Meinhard-Heib (Vice President Sport), Patrick Fassott (Vice President Finance and Administration) and Carsten Diemer (Youth Sport) were confirmed as members of the Managing Board beside the full-employed constitutional members Frank Mantek (Director Sport) and Jochen Stüber (Managing Director). 'Of course doping was a dominating topic in weightlifting over the past four years. As German Weightlifting Federation we kept a clear position and demonstrated that we do not tolerate any doping offences. That was an important aspect contributing to the positive image of German Weightlifting nationally and internationally.' said Baumgartner, who is also a member of the IWF Executive Board. ‘But we should not make the mistake to focus our attention to this topic alone. We know that our athletes aren't on top of the world elite at the moment. But we all together will work very hard to be back at the top in 2020 or 2024. This includes also working consistently on international equality of opportunities in our sport. For this we will need full support of our National Olympic Committee and our German Government. And we will have to renovate our federation operationally,’ he added. Terminating their longstanding voluntary work for BVDG, Harald Strier (Press Secretary), Heinz Kuhn (Masters Secretary), Arnold Chrzanowski (Referee and President of Lower Saxony Weightlifting Federation) as well as Doctor Dominik Dörr (Team Doctor) were honoured and received well-deserved applause. Claus Umbach, BVDG President from 2000 until 2012, was elected as second Honorary President alongside Wolfgang Peter. Congratulations to all the electied officials! Source:

Polish Weightlifting Federation Elections

Mariusz Jędra has been elected as the successor of Szymon Kołecki as the chairman of Polish Weightlifting Federation for a term of four years. Mariusz Jędra has been elected as the successor of Szymon Kołecki as the chairman of Polish Weightlifting Federation for a term of four years. The election took place during 21st Domestic Delegates’ Convention. Previously Jędra was vice-chairman of PWF, responsible for organizational tasks. There was three candidates for the chairman’s position: Jędra, former national representative and 1997 World Championships' silver medalist in the heavyweight class, Zygmunt Smalcerz – 1972 Olympic Champion in 52 kg category and triple World Champion, and Zygmunt Wasiela, who had been previously the chairman of PWF during two terms (until 2012). In the first ballot, Jędra and Wasiela have received respectively 35 votes. Smalcerz, with 16 votes, has been dropped out. In the second ballot Jędra gained 53 votes, Wasiela 33. Szymon Kołecki, previous PWF chairman, and representatives of the Ministry of Sport and Polish Olympic Committee had congratulated Jędra on winning the election. Mariusz Jędra promised to make significant changes to PWF, especially to recreate a positive image of Polish weightlifting after some doping problems. He wants to cooperate with the Ministry of Sport and Polish Olympic Committee. As a regular of Polish Armed Forces, he counts on collaboration with Ministry of National Defence on helping regulars-weightlifters in their careers. One of his most important task is to improve cooperation with the International Weightlifting Federation and the European Weightlifting Federation. Polish Weightlifting Federation has a 91-year tradition, but only in 1956 Tadeusz Kochanowski has been recognized as the first chairman. After his term, Janusz Przedpełski was elected in 1959. He was the chairman of PWF for 47 years (1959-2006), a phenomenon. Later, IWF has been led by Zygmunt Wasiela (2006-2012) and Szymon Kołecki (2012-2016). Kołecki has resigned on 16th August 2016 and for the time to the election, Hanna Pikuła, IWF secretary general, was the acting chairman. Now, since 17th December 2016. Mariusz Jędra is the new chief of Polish weightlifting! He is the fifth person in that role. Congratulation to all the elected officials! Source:

Finnish Weightlifting Federation’s Congress

The Finnish Weightlifting Federation's Congress was held on 26th November 2016 in City of Tampere. President: Mr. Kimmo Kuukasjärvi (2 year term) General Secretary: Mr. Tomi Tolsa 1st Vice President: Mr. Heikki Rautapuro 2nd Vice President: Mr. Antti Everi Executive Board Members: Mr. Antti Seppälä Mrs. Jenni Ruotsi Mr. Petri Tanninen Mr. Santeri Siltala Congratulations to all the elected

Don Fernando Esquivel passed away

The PAWF informed the IWF about the loss of Colleague, Friend and Member of the PAWF Executive Board, Don Fernando Esquivel.  He was President of the Costa Rican Weightlifting Federation as well. He suffered a Thrombosis and suddenly passed away. It is with deep sorrow that the IWF presents its condolences to his Family. Source:

Joseph Alzin, the only Olympic medallist from Luxembourg

Joseph Alzin was born 123 years ago on December 18th. He is the first and up to now the only Olympic medallist weightlifter from Luxembourg. On the occasion of the 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games he won his silver medal in the men’s “superheavyweight” being +82,5kg category at that time. He passed away at a very young age at 36. May he rest in