7th IWGA/GAISF/IOC World Games - Duisburg, Germany
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Overview I will begin my report by saying that the 7th IWGA/GAISF/IOC World Games was a very unique, extraordinary and unparalleled experience! Moreover, to explain the magnitude of this event, next to the FIFA World Cup for Soccer, and the Olympic Games, the World Games stands now as one of the world's largest international sporting attractions in the world today. Overall, the World Games plays a significant and major role within the international sports community to promote international sports, not yet contested in the Olympics. In my 30+ years of involvement in the sport of powerlifting, which has included involvement with some 30+ IPF international and world powerlifting championships that have spanned all six [6] continents, the World games experience, by far, was the most remarkable and memorable of them all. A true "experience of a lifetime", to say the least! I would encourage all those with the opportunity to attend this event to do so. Opening Ceremonies The major highlight of the World Games ceremony - and for me overall - was seeing the flag of the International Olympic Committee [IOC], strewn with the Olympic Rings, being carried into the MSV Stadium, and raised up the flagpole, side by side with the International World Games Association (IWGA). Ms. Heide Ecker-Rosendahl, the 1972 double Olympic champion, and one Germany's most famous Olympians was one of the flag bearers that marched the Olympic flag into the MSV stadium that was filled to capacity with some 30,000 people. Significant to this championship is that the World Games officially falls under the direct patronage of the IOC, and the championship was attended by quite a few of their high-level representatives, to include several Olympic Champions. This event took place on Thursday evening and was absolutely Olympicesque! This symbolizes that, in fact that IPF Powerlifting, one of the founders of the IWGA, is without question, the governing body for international powerlifting. Key and important, USA Powerlifting, the affiliate to the IPF, now stands clearly as the legitimate National Governing Body [NGB] to represent powerlifting in the United States. The opening ceremonies included over 100+ countries, with over 3,500 plus athletes marching into the MSV Stadium with each delegation being lead by their national flag. Speeches by Dr. Jacque Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee [IOC], and Ron Froehlich, President of the International World Games Association [IWGA] were given, followed by fireworks, music and a spectacular light show that was engaging and very enjoyable. The opening ceremony entertainment also included German pop music star - NENA - of 99 Red Balloons fame! Nena was accompanied by Argentine Opera singer Jose Cura, Benny Martell and Jay Ann who sung "Once in a Lifetime". The crowd was very supportive and literally dancing in their seats, as we exited the stadium. During the four [4] hour ceremony, we were also able to mingle, and speak with other delegation athletes and officials, as well as exchange our thoughts on the ceremony. My compliments to the organizers - Great job! Championship Highlights The championship overall produced eighteen [18] new IPF World Records and the championship was exciting to watch from the first lifted loaded in the squat to the final deadlift. Music was played for each attempt and the audience that attended each session was extremely supportive of each lifter. The Women In the lightweight category [44kg - 52kg], Olesya Lafina of Russia, the current world champion, easily won the title with a composite Wilks Score of 620.30kg. Along the way to winning the World Games title, she set a new IPF world record in the squat with 220kg/485lbs. The silver medal was awarded to Elena Dmytruk of the Ukraine, who scored 590.81 points, and the bronze went to Wei-Ling Chen of Chinese Taipei with a very close 589.67. This is less than 2.5kg/5.5lbs away in the total. Jennifer Maile placed a solid sixth, with a stellar 8/9 performance. Caitlin Miller placed 9th with a very solid performance. She is still a Sub-junior lifter and has a great deal of talent. In the middleweight category [56kg - 67.5kg], the Ukraine's Larysa Vitsiyevska won gold with a score of 622.78 points. Larysa was closely followed by one of the USA's premier lifter's - Ms. Priscilla Ribic, who had an uncharacteristically tough start in squat by missing her first two [2] attempts; however, unshaken, was able stay in the contest on a rock sold third attempt that she sat to the floor with. Priscilla finished the day with a score of 608.29 and the World Games silver medal. Gold next time in Taiwan for sure! Even despite this tough day, Ms. Ribic still holds the #1 Wilk Score of all-time with an amazing 654.30. Nadezhda Malyugina of Uzbekistan captured the bronze medal with 565.5 points. I believe this to the first ever World Games medal for Uzbekistan. Multi-sport talent Fiona v. Bachhaus of Germany was impressive with a personal record total of 505kg, which was 25kg more than she has ever done. Her parents are both former powerlifters. Fiona related to me that her mother competed in the 1994 World Games in Powerlifting and her father once trained with former world powerlifting champion, Mr. John Gamble at the University of Virginia. Fiona is also highly competitive in not only powerlifting, but weightlifting, beach volley ball, gymnastics and track & field. Carly Nogle of the USA had a tough and departed early after not being able to make a squat in. It is rumored that she will now set her sights on a career in Olympic Weightlifting - no doubt if she pursues this that she will do very well and wish her well with such a venture. In the Heavyweight category [75kg - 90+kg], Marina Kudinova of Russia won gold with a composite score of 634.01 points - The best women's score in the entire championship. Her teammate, Galina Karpova captured the silver medal with a score of 586.79, and along they way, set three [3] new world records in the 90+kg, with a squat of 305kg/672lb, bench press of 192.5kg/424lb, and total with 737.5kg/1625lbs - the most EVER achieved by a women on the face of this planet. Look for more records to come your way from Galina in Norway next year. Irina Yavorska of the Ukraine took the bronze medal with a new world record in the benchpress with 172.5kg at 90kg. Irena's score of 583.66 points was just a scant 2.5kg/5.5lbs back from Galina. Jessica O'Donnell-Watkins had a career day and new American record total at 90+kg with lifts of 252.5kg/556lb squat, 157.5kg/347lb bench press, and 230kg/507lb deadlift for a super 7th place. Liz Willet was able to attend this championship on short notice, amid a great deal of controversy regarding her eligibility to compete in this championship, after lifting with IPF suspended lifters at the Arnold Classic this past March. Nonetheless, Liz was determined to come and lift and after a great deal of support from her friends that raised the funds for her to attend this championship, she lifted to the best of her ability, but well under her capabilities. It is also rumored that she is looking to transfer to Olympic Weightlifting in the coming year. The Men The three Men's categories were equally as exciting as the Women's with most of the three medal positions being determined with each lift. In the lightweight category [52kg - 67.5kg] current world champion Ravil Kazakov won the gold medal with and extremely impressive 634.63 Wilks score. The highest men's score of the championship! Along the way to the garnering the World Games gold medal, Ravil set two [2] new world junior marks in the squat with a huge and well controlled 312.5kg/683lbs, and benchpress with 215.0kg/472lbs. The silver medal went to Chinese Taipei's Tsung-Ting Hsieh, who scored 607.86 points. Hsieh also set a new world junior record with 277.5kg on his final deadlift, with some room to spare. Dariusz Wszola of Poland took the bronze medal with and outstanding 8/9 that netted him a very respectable Wilks score of 547.62. Mega bench press star Hiro Isagawa of Japan missed all of three of his bench presses, which eliminated him from the contest. It appeared that he would have either taken silver or the bronze if he was able to get one on the board -- Tough one! Caleb Williams and Ervin Gainer were both slated to lift in this class; however, due to injuries, were not able to attend. Look for both at the Men's World Championships in Miami this November. In the middleweight category [75kg - 90kg] Andrey Tarasenko of Russia scored and impressive 614.42 and narrowly edged out teammate Victor Furashkin, who scored 613.35 points. Jan Wegiera of Poland scored 595.15 points to take the bronze and set a new world record in benchpress with 262.2kg in the 82.5kg class. Look for Jan to be the first lifter "officially" to eclipse the 600lb mark in this weight category. Wade Hooper was a VERY close fourth, with a score of 590.75, and set a new world record in the bench press with 232.5kg/512lbs. I must point out that his final squat attempt at 340kg/749lbs was ridiculously easy; however, was turned down for depth 2-1. Wade stumbled with his right foot when stepping back with the weight, which caused a momentary loss of balance. Folks, no question about it, the power is there for a 350/771lb squat at this year's World Championships in Miami. Veteran Ray Benemerito, made his second trip to the World Games and finished a very respectable 7th. Ray's lifting has been off the past year; however, look for him to be very ready for nationals this coming year in Miami and another shot to attend the Men's World Championships that will be hosted in Norway during November 2006. In the men's heavyweight category [100kg to 125+kg] Russia's Nikolay Suslov, on his final deadlift attempt, scored [617.45 points] to defeat Brian Siders of the USA, who score of 612.99. Brian had the final deadlift in his hands at the end and just missed locking the weight out. The Ukraine's Ivan Freydun (607.61) was a close third. A tough loss for Brian; however, look for him to rebound at this the Men's World Championships in Miami! Suslov's attempts were selected perfectly; whereas Brian just missed too many attempts to stay on top. I must point out that in Wilks scored championships, especially when weight classes are combined, are normally won by carefully selected and well planned attempts, within a lifter's capabilities. In this case, Suslov was right on Q. Brad Gillingham, the 2001 World Games silver medalist lifted very well and placed a solid and respectable 5th. Look for Brad to return to the national platform next year at the Men's Nationals in Miami, Florida. Nick Tylutki, on short notice, made the trip, but was not able to negotiate a bench press to squeeze into the final standings. I am sure with more time to prepare would have done much better. Nick is one of future bright stars and look for big things this coming year, when he reaches a full 110kg/242lbs. USA Coaching Staff The USA Coaching and Technical Staff for the championship consisted of the following individuals: Johnny Graham, Head Coach - Men's Team; Larry Maile, Head Coach - Women's Team; with Mike O'Donnell, Tod Miller, and Sherman Ledford serving as Assistant Coaches. Larry and I officiated and served as the technical advisors for the team. I would like to commend both Johnny, Larry, Tod, Mike and Sherman for their hard work in coaching the team at this championship -- Never an easy job, especially at this championship -- Great job men! Special thanks go out to Kim Hooper for making the trip! Sponsor Contributions As always, a trip like this would not have been possible without the generous assistance of our sponsors. Special thanks go out to Mr. Pete Alaniz -- Titan Support Systems; Mr. John Inzer/Mr. Peter Thorne -- Inzer Advance Designs, and Mr. Sherman Ledford -- Question Nutrition. Our athletes owe a great of their success to these individuals and their respective companies -- Again, our sincere thanks! Drug-Testing/Doping Control The drug-testing prior and during the World Games was some of the most extensive and thoroughly tested events Powerlifting has ever encountered. At beginning of the year, all of the athletes selected for this championship were required to provide a quarterly Whereabouts - Locator Form disclosing your home, professional and training locations, to be contacted for no notice testing. In addition, out of championship [OOC] testing, following the necessary IOC mandated World Anti-doping Agency [WADA] guidelines was conducted by the Association of National Anti-doping Organizations [ANADO], on a large degree of the seventy-two [72] athletes selected to attend this particular championship, with the majority of the tests taking place in East Europe, and Russia. Athletes attending the World Games were subject to no-notice testing prior to, and during the Games. All samples collected were sent to the IOC approved laboratory located in the city of Cologne, just two [2] hrs away by car. As a result, results were made accessible to organizers and officials within 24hrs from the time the sample was drawn from the athlete selected for a doping test. At the championships, some 20+ samples were drawn, along with all world records. As of the posting of this report, there were no positive drug-tested. A very good sign that are efforts to prevent doping within the sport of powerlifting is working, and as time moves forward, and the relationship between powerlifting and the IOC becomes more comprehensive, you will see a greater and wider degree of testing performed at not only championships like the World Games, but other regional and international championships as well. Media Coverage The Games to include the entire opening ceremony were covered by German Television and Eurosport. Media interest, overall, at this championship included some 1,200 journalists and representatives, spanning some 35+ countries that covered 200 events for 40 sports. Press conferences were held directly after the events were held which included several powerlifters. Interestingly enough, all of the athletes, and media representatives and championship officials were provided with free access to the Internet, through wireless local area network [W-LAN] that allowed us to use our own computers 24/7 during the length of the Games. As I see it, as a sport, if we're to remain competitive in the powerlifting marketplace, I would like to see this [wireless internet communication] as one of the mandated items on the technical checklist for all future IPF World Championships. Closing Banquet Special thanks to Gaston Parage and the IPF Executive for organizing a banquet at the Hotel Moors on Sunday evening, at the conclusion of the powerlifting segment of the World Games. The hotel Moors provided a very well presented buffet dinner that included some traditional German delicacies that was exceptionally prepared. There was no charge for the banquet for all of the athletes and officials attending the Games. Final Thoughts Overall, the planners and directors of the 2005 World Games in Duisburg were quite pleased with the outcome of the Games overall, to include the sport of Powerlifting. Official sources estimate that some 505,000 spectators [205,000 at the sports events including the opening and closing ceremonies plus 300,000 visitors on the World Games Plaza], attended the World Games, which surpassed all expectations of the organizers. I would like to point out that Powerlifitng was VERY well received and attended and even having the privilege and honor of having Ron Froehlich attend Sunday afternoon's lifting. Prior to my departure from Duisburg, Ron Froehlich, current president of the IWGA, related in a press conference held on Saturday, July 16, 2005 that IOC President Jacques Rogge "…would not only like continue the co-operation with the International World Games Association (IWGA) but to intensify it." Clearly this is positive news that can only benefit the sport of powerlifting with its current bid for IOC recognition, which is still being considered by the International Olympic Committee. As a close this report, I would encourage all those interested in qualifying to be considered for a spot at the 2009 World Games that will take place in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei, should begin preparing now. As it stands now, selections will come from both the combined 2008 IPF Men's & Women's World Powerlifting Championship that will be held in St. John's Newfoundland, Canada, as well as the 2008 IPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships scheduled for Trinidad & Tobago. Current qualifying procedures [as they are listed now and subject to change] shall be posted on the USAPL Coaching Committee webpage during August/September 2005. Finally, I would like to thank the World Games Organizers, the IPF Executive and Technical Committee Officials, and the German Powerlifting Federation for performing a superb job with preparing and directing this championship. Based on the record turnout in Germany, the Taipei World Games will, I am sure, be just as memorable. I look forward to seeing everyone there! Robert H. Keller Media Officer International Powerlifting Federation |
Contest Photos
Thanks to Priscilla Ribic and Rob Keller for photos  IWGA President Ron Froehlich, IOC President Jacques Rogge and Hermann Kewitz, Head of media department of the 2005 World Games [L to R] 
Gunda Fiona V. Bachhaus - Germany  Jenn Maile and Priscila Ribic, Tourists!  Closing Ceremonies  The town of Duisburg  Opening Cereminies  Priscilla Ribic |