In his latest YouTube video, renowned fitness expert Josh Bridges delves into the benefits of the 20 rep max squat cycle. 

Known for his impressive strength and endurance, Bridges emphasizes the significance of this workout for enhancing athleticism, building strength, and improving overall fitness.

The Importance of Strength and Conditioning

Bridges opens his video by highlighting why maintaining strength and fitness is crucial. 

He asserts that being strong, fast, and in shape are never qualities you’ll regret. On the other hand, failing to achieve your fitness goals can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration. 

Whether you aspire to be faster, stronger, or more enduring, the 20 rep max workout can help you get there.

Planning Workouts: Flexibility and Fun

While Bridges values structured strength training, he also believes in the importance of keeping workouts enjoyable and flexible. 

He shares his approach to planning workouts, which often involves deciding on the spot based on how he feels. 

For instance, a typical leg day might include various strength exercises like squats and deadlifts, followed by a fun and engaging conditioning routine. This balance keeps workouts effective and enjoyable.

The 20 Rep Max Back Squat

One of the core elements of Bridges’ routine is the 20 rep max back squat. This exercise is praised for its ability to build tremendous strength and athleticism without causing excessive soreness. 

Bridges explains the significance of proper preparation, including the use of knee wraps to support his joints. 

By incorporating this high-repetition exercise, athletes can develop both mental and physical resilience.

Warm-Up and Activation Techniques

Bridges stresses the importance of a thorough warm-up and muscle activation before performing squats. 

He shares his routine, which includes exercises to activate the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors. 

Using equipment like the cable machine or bands, these activation exercises ensure that the muscles are fully engaged, reducing strain on the joints and enhancing overall performance.

Execution of the 20 Rep Max Squat

In the video, Bridges provides a step-by-step guide to performing the 20 rep max squat. He shares tips for mental and physical preparation, drawing from his personal experiences and progression strategies. 

By gradually increasing the weight and focusing on consistent improvement, athletes can safely and effectively incorporate this exercise into their routine.

Watch Full Video:

Incorporating High-Intensity Intervals

To complement the strength training, Bridges introduces a high-intensity interval routine known as Mikko’s Triangle. This involves alternating between rowing, skiing, and biking at high intensity. 

These intervals not only boost cardiovascular fitness but also challenge mental toughness, a key aspect of comprehensive training.

Mental and Physical Benefits of the 20 Rep Max

Bridges highlights the mental and physical benefits of the 20 rep max squat. He shares anecdotes from his pre- and post-surgery performance, illustrating how this workout has helped him regain and surpass his previous strength levels. 

The high-repetition scheme fosters mental resilience and provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

Practical Advice for Incorporating 20 Rep Max

For those looking to integrate the 20 rep max into their workout routines, Bridges offers practical advice. He recommends starting with manageable weights and gradually increasing the load. 

By consistently challenging yourself, you can achieve significant gains in strength and endurance.

Conclusion

Josh Bridges’ new video is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their strength and athleticism. 

By incorporating the 20 rep max squat cycle, viewers can experience the numerous benefits of this effective workout. 

As Bridges reminds us, investing in your fitness today will pay off in the long run, helping you achieve and maintain the strength, speed, and endurance you desire.

The experts at Wod Science YouTube channel have unveiled a groundbreaking training method that could potentially double the effects of your CrossFit workouts.

What is the New Training Method?

CrossFit aims to improve work capacity across various time domains and exercise modalities, enhancing both endurance and strength simultaneously. 

However, achieving these improvements often encounters a significant challenge known as the interference effect. 

This phenomenon occurs when training for strength and endurance in the same session leads to plateaus in both areas.

The team at Wod Science conducted a study to tackle this issue, named the Hybrid Study, aimed at reducing this interference and enhancing overall performance. 

The results were fascinating and could have significant implications for CrossFit athletes and those involved in hybrid sports.

Understanding the Interference Effect

The interference effect is well-documented in scientific literature. When athletes engage in both strength and endurance training in the same session, they initially see improvements. 

However, over time, they hit a plateau, resulting in limited progress in strength metrics (like one-rep max squats) and cardiovascular fitness (like VO2 max).

This effect is particularly relevant for CrossFit athletes, who regularly combine high volumes of mixed-modality workouts, including strength training, compound lifts, and metabolic conditioning.

Watch the Full Video:

Study Design and Methodology

The Hybrid Study at Wod Science involved two groups of participants over eight weeks. 

Group A followed a traditional CrossFit training regimen, combining strength and endurance exercises within the same session. 

Group B, the hybrid group, alternated weekly between pure strength sessions and pure metabolic conditioning sessions.

Training Protocols:

Group A: Typical eight-week CrossFit training, mixing strength and conditioning in each session.

Group B: Alternated weekly between pure strength training and metabolic conditioning.

Participants underwent rigorous pre- and post-testing to measure their performance across various metrics, including the CrossFit total, Fran workout, clean and jerk, all-out squat, and a 2k row.

Participants and Setup

The study recruited 140 participants, with 38 completing the training logs and pre- and post-tests. 

The participants had an average of 5.5 years of CrossFit experience, ensuring a well-trained group for the study.

Results of the Study

The results were compelling. Both groups showed improvements, but the hybrid group demonstrated statistically significant gains in several areas:

Clean and Jerk: 3% higher increase in the hybrid group.

All-Out Squat: 19% higher increase in the hybrid group.

2k Row: 2% higher increase in the hybrid group.

Overall, the hybrid group showed a 5% higher improvement in overall fitness compared to the traditional training group.

Practical Applications for Athletes

For CrossFit athletes, this study suggests a more effective training structure: separating strength and conditioning sessions. 

Athletes with moderate to low training volumes (four to five sessions a week) can benefit from alternating weekly between strength and conditioning.

For those with higher training volumes (15-30 hours per week), it’s beneficial to separate these sessions within the day, such as performing strength training in the morning and conditioning in the evening, allowing adequate rest between sessions.

Limitations and Future Research

While the study presents promising results, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations:

Non-Crossover Design: Participants didn’t switch between training protocols, which could provide more robust data.

Duration: The study lasted only eight weeks; longer durations might yield more significant insights.

Self-Reported Data: Participants logged their training data, which can introduce errors.

Future research could involve a longer study duration, a crossover design, and a more controlled environment to validate these findings further.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Hybrid Study by Wod Science offers strong evidence that alternating between strength and conditioning sessions can significantly enhance CrossFit performance. 

Athletes interested in breaking through training plateaus can follow this approach and potentially see substantial gains in overall fitness.

Wod Science has made the first eight weeks of this hybrid training program available on their STV platform. Athletes can follow this program to experience the benefits firsthand.

Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines tender, lightly breaded chicken with a rich, flavorful garlic butter Parmesan sauce.

Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts

4 tbsp Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2 or almond flour (60 mL)

2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, kind in a canister (30 mL)

1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)

1/4 tsp black pepper (1 mL)

For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:

2 tbsp butter (30 mL)

3 tbsp crushed garlic (45 mL)

1 1/4 cups chicken stock (300 mL)

1 cup whipping cream (250 mL)

1/4 cup grated Mozzarella cheese (60 mL)

2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (30 mL)

1/2 tsp dried cilantro or dried parsley (2 mL)

2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (10 mL)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half longitudinally to create thinner cutlets.

Bread the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2 (or almond flour), Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Coat both sides of the chicken cutlets with the mixture.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat Oil: In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook Chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in the hot oil and cook on both sides, turning frequently, until they are golden brown and almost cooked through.

Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:

Melt Butter: In another frying pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

Cook Garlic: Add the crushed garlic and stir-fry until it turns golden.

Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken stock and whipping cream, then add the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are well-mixed and melted.

Season: Add the dried cilantro or parsley to the sauce.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Finish Cooking: Add the cooked chicken cutlets to the sauce and let them simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

Pairing Suggestions: Serve this dish over pasta such as linguine or with a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or roasted asparagus also complement the flavors well.

Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and added color.

Bread or Rolls: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the delicious garlic butter Parmesan sauce.

Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended for dishes with creamy sauces as they may separate upon thawing. If freezing, use an airtight container and consume within 1-2 months for best quality.

Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Meal Prep: If preparing ahead, cook the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving for optimal texture and flavor retention.

Portioning: For easier reheating, divide leftovers into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing.

Variations

Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Chicken: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the sauce. Sauté the sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic and add the spinach just before adding the cream. Stir until wilted.

Lemon Herb Chicken: Replace the garlic with lemon zest and juice. Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil. Sauté the lemon zest with the butter before adding the chicken stock and cream. Stir in fresh herbs just before serving.

Mushroom Cream Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic until golden brown. Add to the sauce with the cream. Cook the mushrooms separately and add to the sauce before simmering with the chicken.

Spicy Cajun Chicken: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning before breading. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for heat. Cook the chicken as directed, then prepare the sauce with Cajun spices and a touch of cayenne.

Caprese Style Chicken: Top the chicken with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves before serving. After cooking the chicken and sauce, place the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on top of the chicken and broil until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh basil.

Pesto Parmesan Chicken: Replace the garlic butter sauce with a creamy pesto sauce. Stir in prepared pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese to the cream before simmering with the chicken.

Greek Yogurt Chicken: Use Greek yogurt instead of whipping cream for a lighter sauce. Add Greek flavors like oregano and lemon. Stir in Greek yogurt after reducing the sauce slightly. Season with oregano and lemon juice.

Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Chicken: Add crispy bacon pieces and sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. Cook bacon until crispy, remove excess fat, then add mushrooms and garlic to the pan. Stir in cream and cheese until smooth.

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and fresh basil leaves to the sauce. Sauté the tomato paste with garlic until fragrant. Add chicken stock and cream, then simmer with fresh basil leaves.

Honey Mustard Chicken: Replace Parmesan cheese with Dijon mustard and honey. Add a tablespoon of each to the sauce. Whisk mustard and honey into the sauce after adding chicken stock and cream. Adjust sweetness to taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour? Yes, regular all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend can replace almond flour if preferred.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning when making the sauce? Cook garlic over medium-low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning. Garlic can quickly turn bitter if overcooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead. Cook chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version? Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. Adjust thickness with a cornstarch slurry if needed.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.

Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken? While creamy sauces may separate upon thawing, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

What side dishes pair well with this dish? This chicken pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Choose sides that complement the creamy sauce and garlic flavors.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese instead of freshly grated? While freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and melt, pre-grated Parmesan cheese can be used. Adjust seasoning to taste as pre-grated cheese may be saltier.

Enjoy this delicious and versatile Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken with your favorite sides and variations. It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress!

A three-year national contract will make it easier for schools, healthcare institutions and nonprofits to stock their facilities with Matrix equipment

Matrix Fitness, a leading commercial fitness equipment brand under Johnson Health Tech, has forged a three-year agreement with Omnia Partners, a U.S.-based purchasing organization with extensive public and non-profit reach.

The agreement will give partnership members such as K-12 schools, colleges, local governments, healthcare institutions, YMCAs and other nonprofits easier access to Matrix’s suite of fitness products and connected solutions.

Marc Loomer, Matrix sales manager of college and recreation, noted that the partnership is a significant milestone for the brand and allows for straightforward access to Matrix’s extensive range of cardio, strength and group training equipment.

“By leveraging Omnia Partners’ national contract, we can eliminate the lengthy RFP process, ensuring our high-quality products are more accessible,” he said.

Scott Miller, Omnia Partners’ senior vice president of supplier development, said the company is proud to partner with Matrix Fitness to offer its athletic supplies and equipment to members.

“Omnia Partners is committed to partnering with suppliers of the highest quality, performance, and value proposition, ensuring our agencies implement the best solutions for their environments,” Miller said.

Establishing a distribution channel through public and non-profit organizations is similar to the path that Peloton is taking with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Following a pilot program in 2023, the connected fitness company is adding over a hundred of its Bike+ and rowers to all 14 of the YMCA’s community hub locations in the Windy City.  

The post Matrix Fitness Signs Deal Boosting Public & Non-Profit Reach  appeared first on Athletech News.

The 2024 Strongman World Cup (SWC) occurred in Moscow, Russia, on July 6. The single-day contest featured 14 athletes representing five countries clashing through five events: Max Dumbbell, Loading Race, Axle Medley, Farmer’s Walk, and Sack Carry.

Dmitrii Skosyrskii, representing the host country, emerged victorious, scoring 69 of a possible 70 points. Skosyrskii won four of the five events, snagging second-place points in only the first event, the Max Dumbbell. Below are the full results:

2024 Strongman World Cup Results

Dmitrii Skosyrskii (RUS) — 69 points

David Shamey (RUS) — 63 points

Petr Martynenko (RUS) — 46.5 points

Dmitrii Samoilov (RUS) — 46 points

Roman Dryzhinin (RUS) — 43 points

Evgeny Gavrilenko (RUS) — 42 points

Albin Hasanović (SRB) — 40 points

Muhammad Ali Tokhtamatov (KYR) — 35 points

Dmitry Logunov (RUS) — 34 points

Alexander Kurak (BLR) — 31 points

Andrey Smirnov (RUS) — 22 points

Alexander Kuzmin (RUS) — 21 points

Aydin Humbatov (AZE) — 16.5 points

Amin Manavi (IRI) — 11 points

[Related: World’s Strongest Man Mitchell Hooper Roasted Our Favorite Deadlift Accessories. So We Argued With Him About It]

[Related: Interview: 2X U82KG World’s Strongest Woman Nadia Stowers Believes Strongwoman Needs a New Generation of Athletes]

2024 Strongman World Cup Event Results

Below are the results for each of the five events contested in Moscow:

Max Dumbbell

Each athlete attempted to establish their max dumbbell press.

David Shamey — 151 kilograms

Dmitrii Skosyrskii — 140 kilograms

Petr Martynenko — 125 kilograms

Dmitrii Samoilov — 120 kilograms

Dmitry Logunov — 115 kilograms

Roman Dryzhinin — 110 kilograms (T-sixth)

Evgeny Gavrilenko — 110 kilograms (T-sixth)

Alexander Kuzmin — 110 kilograms (T-sixth)

Alexander Kurak — 105 kilograms

Albin Hasanović — 100 kilograms (T-10th)

Muhammad Ali Tokhtamatov — 100 kilograms (T-10th)

Andrey Smirnov — 100 kilograms (T-10th)

Aydin Humbatov — 100 kilograms (T-10th)

Amin Manavi — no lift

Loading Race

The Loading Race featured four implements: two tires weighing 95 and 100 kilograms and two sacks weighing 120 and 140 kilograms. Athletes had 90 seconds to load them through a 10-meter course in the fastest possible time.

Dmitrii Skosyrskii — Four in 43.69 seconds

David Shamey — Four in 44.06 seconds

Petr Martynenko — Four in 62.82 seconds

Albin Hasanović — Four in 64.85 seconds

Evgeny Gavrilenko — Four in 83.44 seconds

Roman Dryzhinin — Four in 87.03 seconds

Alexander Kurak — Three in 34.67 seconds

Muhammad Ali Tokhtamatov — Three in 39 seconds

Dmitrii Samoilov — Three in 39.91 seconds

Dmitry Logunov — Three in 52.79 seconds

Andrey Smirnov — Three in 53.53 seconds

Aydin Humbatov — Three in 53.59 seconds

Alexander Kuzmin — Three in 54.21 seconds

Amin Manavi — Two in 27.09 seconds

Axle Medley

With 90 seconds on the clock, each strongman attempted to press two 145-kilogram axles, clean and load a 160-kilogram axle, and deadlift a 340-kilogram axle.

Dmitrii Skosyrskii — Four in 21.70 seconds

David Shamey — Four in 31.54 seconds

Albin Hasanović — Four in 42.10 seconds

Evgeny Gavrilenko — Four in 52.83 seconds

Muhammad Ali Tokhtamatov — Four in 60.38 seconds

Alexander Kurak — Three in 29.03 seconds

Dmitrii Samoilov — Three in 31.35 seconds

Andrey Smirnov — Three in 53.12 seconds

Dmitry Logunov — Three in 83.42 seconds

Petr Martynenko — Three in 85.32 seconds

Roman Dryzhinin — One rep (T-11th)

Aydin Humbatov — One rep (T-11th)

Amin Manavi — One rep (T-11th)

Alexander Kuzmin — no lift

Farmer’s Walk

With a one-minute time cap, each strongman traversed 40 meters with 150 kilograms as fast as possible.

Dmitrii Skosyrskii — 19.56 seconds

David Shamey — 31.54 seconds

Dmitrii Samoilov — 41.47 seconds

Alexander Kuzmin — 52.59 seconds

Roman Dryzhinin — 54.16 seconds

Dmitry Logunov — 58.25 seconds

Muhammad Ali Tokhtamatov — 37.5 meters

Amin Manavi — 30 meters

Petr Martynenko — 22.5 meters

Evgeny Gavrilenko — 12.5 meters

Aydin Humbatov — 10 meters

Alexander Kurak — 7.5 meters

Albin Hasanović — 5.5 meters

Andrey Smirnov — 2.5 meters

Sack Carry

Each strongman carried a 140-kilogram sack for distance.

Dmitrii Skosyrskii — 82.5 meters

Roman Dryzhinin — 77.5 meters

Petr Martynenko — 60 meters (T-third)

Albin Hasanović — 60 meters (T-third)

David Shamey — 57.5 meters

Dmitrii Samoilov — 47.5 meters

Evgeny Gavrilenko — 42.5 meters

Muhammad Ali Tokhtamatov — 40 meters (T-eighth)

Andrey Smirnov — 40 meters (T-eighth)

Alexander Kurak — 30 meters

Dmitry Logunov — 20 meters

Aydin Humbatov — Five meters

Alexander Kuzmin — no lift

Amin Manavi — no lift

More Strongman Content

2024 Strongman Classic Preview — Roster & Events

Martins Licis Explores Greece to Pull Sleds and Zercher Shrug With Strongman Kyriakos Kapakoulak

2024 SCL World Record Breakers Results — Aivars Šmaukstelis Atop the Podium

Featured image: @dmitrii_skosyrskii on Instagram

The post 2024 Strongman World Cup Results — Dmitrii Skosyrskii Victorious appeared first on BarBend.

The 2024 Olympics in Paris, France will host around 120 weightlifting athletes from all over the world — and a small handful who will march in blank uniforms and unadorned flags during the opening ceremonies. 

Russia and Belarus are among a small handful of nations whose weightlifting athletes and their member federations have bucked qualification procedures set forth by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

[Related: Every Weightlifter Competing at the 2024 Olympics]

And the rapid resurgence of North Korea — one of the world’s most dominant weightlifting contingents — has further shuffled the board. Here’s how weightlifters from “banned” countries, as well as those on the brink of expulsion, made it to the 2024 Olympics.

What Countries Are “Banned” From the 2024 Olympics in Weightlifting?

No nation is necessarily “banned” from accessing the Olympics in any capacity — North Korea is the only country whose athletes cannot participate because their national federation is ineligible. However, athletes from certain countries have had to contend with complications and restrictions on their road to Paris due to their nationality. 

In May of 2023, the IWF cleared the way for lifters from Russia and Belarus to send athletes to the Grand Prix I in Cuba where they could begin qualifying for the 2024 Olympics. Belarus took the opportunity; Russia did not.

The IWF followed advice from the IOC in making its decision. Weightlifters can compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), not under their flag, and must wear an all-gray uniform with no logos.

Per IOC guidance from Dec. 2023, AIN-aligned athletes must also abide by conduct restrictions, including, “any activity or communication associated with the Russian Federation, Republic of Belarus, or support for the war in Ukraine…”

[Related: 2016 Olympian Oleksandr Pielieshenko Dies in Combat in Ukraine War]

The eligibility rules also exclude anyone with links to military and state security organizations. Four weightlifters from Belarus initially qualified for the weightlifting events in Paris, but an IOC panel ruled that only two were eligible.

Russia

Russian Federation President Maxim Agapitov declared the conditions for weightlifters competing as neutrals “discriminatory”. But Russia will have athletes in other sports, including cycling, gymnastics, and wrestling, whose federations agreed to the IOC conditions.

Russia was banned outright from weightlifting at Rio 2016 because of doping. Per Reuters, their team in Tokyo wore national colors but was titled the “Russian Olympic Committee” rather than “Russia.” Neither of the two weightlifters from Russia won medals.

Belarus

“[Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko] was not happy, but he agreed to the [IOCs] conditions because he understands how hard it is for athletes when they cannot compete,” an official from the Belarus Weightlifting Federation told BarBend during the 2023 IWF Grand Prix I.

Belarus started with a team of 13 lifters at the first Prix event in 2023, of which four qualified for Paris:

Siuzanna Valodzka (71KG): Ranked number eight globally by Total (the combined value of an athlete’s snatch and clean & jerk). Valodzka is 14 kilograms behind the would-be bronze medalist in this division if the event in Paris adheres to the qualification hierarchy.

Petr Asayonak (89KG): Asayonak ranked 10th in the world and is eligible for Paris because the world number one, Li Dayin, was not selected by China’s Weightlifting Federation.

Eduard Ziaziulin (+102KG): Ziaziulin is the world number six, and his Total places him 27 kilograms behind the top three podium favorites.

Yauheni Tsikhantsou (102KG): The 2019 European Champion at 96 kilograms “bombed out” in Tokyo in 2021, failing to register a Total. “I won’t think ahead, but I’m in a great mood,” Tsikhantsou told BarBend. “No injuries and all my preparations for the Olympic Games have gone well.” He is ranked fifth at 102 kilograms.

On Jun. 15, 2023, the IOC announced that only Valodzka and Tsikhantsou were eligible to compete in Paris. Asayonak and Ziaziulin were ruled ineligible: “The review panel was in a position to benefit from new information from various sources, in particular official lists of athletes affiliated with sports clubs of the military and the security forces published on official websites in Russia and Belarus,” the IOC said.

Other Countries

Russia and Belarus are hardly the only countries to have dealt with embattled circumstances in the months leading up to the summer 2024 Games. Three other nations faced uncertainty regarding their participation in Paris: 

Ukraine, Turkey, & Turkmenistan

Ukraine, Turkey, and Turkmenistan have all accumulated enough doping-related infractions to jeopardize their Olympic participation. “As a result, the matter (Ukraine) will now be submitted to IWF’s Independent Member Federation Sanctioning Panel (IMFSP) to impose appropriate consequences,” the International Testing Agency (ITA) said in a statement in May. 

The panel, comprising five independent legal experts proposed by the ITA and approved by the IWF board, can impose various sanctions under the IWF Anti-Doping Rules. They range from fines to outright suspension of the federation’s athletes and officials for up to four years.

[Related: Best Weightlifting Shoes on the Market]

However, the cases brought before the ITA do not rise to the level of severity such that Ukraine, Turkey, or Turkmenistan may be automatically suspended from the Paris weightlifting event. That said, these athletes remain under scrutiny: 

Ukraine: Ruslan Kozhakin, Bohdan Taranenko, Alina Marushchak

Turkey: Batuhan Yuksel, Hakan Kurnaz, Pelinsu Bayav, Donan Dogen

Turkmenistan: Ogulgerek Amanova, Medine Amanova, Rejepbay Rejepov

Nevertheless, all three nations have at least one weightlifter who will compete in Paris: 

Muhammed Furkan Ozbek: 73KG, TUR

Davranbek Hasanbayev: 102KG, TKM

Kamila Konotop: 59KG, UKR 

North Korea at the 2024 Olympics

North Korea (PRK) keeps winning and setting world records — but they won’t be seen on the Olympic lifting platform in Paris. Since their return to IWF-recognized competitions at the 19th Asian Games in Sep. 2023, Team PRK has been the winningest country at four international weightlifting meets. 

As of Jul. 2024, North Korea holds 16 Senior world weightlifting records, second only to Team China’s 22. Yet China has expressed admiration for Team PRK’s weightlifting roster even though the two countries won’t battle head-to-head in Paris because North Korea rejoined the international weightlifting circuit too late in the game. 

Tokyo, Paris, & Los Angeles

Geopolitical events, as well as weightlifting ability, have had a significant effect on the weightlifting line-up in Paris 2024. Similarly to the last Olympics in Tokyo, ongoing complications related to performance-enhancing drug abuse may ultimately affect the final weightlifting roster. 

Russia has not won an Olympia medal in weightlifting since Tatiana Kashirina bagged silver at the 2012 Games in London. Belarus won two medals at Rio in 2016 and none at the Tokyo Games in 2021. For Paris, their hopes realistically rest with Tsikhantsou in the Men’s 102-kilogram event. 

And North Korea lies in wait. In less than a year, Team PRK has shown that they have medal-winning athletes in multiple weight classes along with a particular dominance over the lighter half of the women’s categories. 

Weightlifting has been confirmed for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. Only time will tell if these countries can make the necessary strides to compete for gold in four years’ time.

More Weightlifting News

13-Year-Old Emily Ibanez Squats 3X Her Own Bodyweight

Karlos Nasar Teases Unofficial World Record Clean & Jerk Ahead of 2024 Olympics

Report: 18 Weightlifters Caught Violating Anti-Doping Policy in 2023

Disclaimer: Brian Oliver is an independent correspondent for BarBend. The views and opinions expressed on this site do not necessarily reflect his own. Oliver is not directly affiliated with any of BarBend’s existing media partnerships.

Featured Image: Jessie Johnson / @barbellstories

The post These Countries Have Struggled To Send Weightlifters to the 2024 Olympics. Here’s Why appeared first on BarBend.