Norwegian Open Powerlifting Championships
 The Norwegian Powerlifting Federation held its National Championships, under the able direction of Paul Nilson the 29th and 30th in Oslo. 56 lifters competed in front of a supportive, and very involved crowd over two days. Norwegian television was present interviewing the great lifter Anne Sigrid Stiklestad, and the largest newspaper covered the event with many photos in a two page layout. 7 lifters from the U.S. were guests, competing under international rules rather than those of the Norway Federation. The weekend started on Friday, with a visit to the Olympic Training Center with a tour by Pella Refsnes, Director of the Center. He has been involved in research into the effects of using negative resistance to build strength, and invented a machine that allows heavy descent, with light weight pushed during the positive motion. We were shown assessment instruments for determining jumping ability, strength, etc. Friday evening, I participated in a question and answer session at the Center discussing training philosophies, equipment usage, and nutrition. Lifting started on Saturday with the Men's division 82.5 kg. and below. The incomparable Roy Brantzeig took the 56 kg. class, and best overall lifter. Roy is well known on the international lifting scene, and posted a respectable 555 kg. total. The 60 kg. class was won by Henrik Olsen, of Odin (392.5 kg.). Bjorn Astad of Oslo won a tough 67.5 kg. class with 582.5 kg. Jan Roytvand was second (577.5 kg.), with helge Sviland (565 kg.) Ove Reiakvam was close behind with 555 kg. There were several computer innovations that helped the crowd and the lifters track the competition. On an large screen facing the crowd, the lifter on the platform's name was displayed with the wt. Being lifted. The running totals were displayed to the right, with the names of the lifters, so that it was possible to see what the result would be of a successful lift. The announcers did a nice job of prompting the crowd with personal records were being attempted, and when a lift would change the placing. The 75 kg. class was won by To Egil Skogly, of Sande KK, on the strength of his deadlift (290 kg.), over Tormod Andersen of Friedrikstad, and Odd Inge Sanberg of Kautokeino. Tony Williams of the USA made a personal best total of 615 kg. and balanced lifts across the board. The 82.5 kg. class was going to be close between Sigve Valentinsen of Sandnes and Alexander Kirketeig. Both entered the competition with strong lifts which were pretty much comparable. On this day, Sigve pulled out the win, with slightly better lifts across the board. Alexander was unable to pull his expected 300 kg. deadlift, or the competition would have gone down to the wire. The author had an 8 for 9 day, missing my third attempt squat. I had a personal record bench and total, however. This contest proved again that competing across time zones makes lifting more difficult, and adjustments to expected lifts necessary. However, the feedback from our hosts was that they were impressed that we were able to lift personal records after having arrived only a day and a half early, and traveling more than 20 hours. Saturday's second session included all the female competitors, and the Men's 90 kg. class, in two flights. Jennifer Maile, lifting slightly above the 48 kg. class limit set personal records in the Squat (165 kg.), Bench Press (97.5 kg.) and Total (437.5 kg.). She was unable to use her "fast attack" deadlift style due to the need for adjustments to grip. She was still able to pull a respectable 175 kg. Line Andreassen won this division with 305 kg. Synnove Lund won the 60 kg. class by 5 kg. over Linda Hoyland, 390 kg. to 385 kg. The crowd was on its feet as this class came down to the last pull. Kate Dingle-Craig had one of her best totals at 360 kg., missing her opening squat, and final bench. Guest lifter, Priscilla Ribic improved her American deadlift and total records with 215 kg. and 550 kg., respectively. She struggled on her opening squat with depth, but made 205 kg. on her third. She made a great attempt at 137.5 kg. (303 lbs.) on her third bench, pressing it easily, but getting two reds for pause. Bente Arntsen, of Oslo outpulled Linda Kristensen of Sandnes by 2.5 kg. for the win 427.5 to 425 kg. Lise Engnes placed third. In the 75 kg. class, Norwegian Federation President, Tone Ingebretsen won with a respectable 402.5 kg., with Anita Saebo second at 377.5 kg. Veteran and world record holder, Anne Sigrid Stiklestad totalled 500 kg. at slightly over the 82.5 kg. limit. Anne is attending school full time, but remains strong despite limited training time. In the +90 kg. class, Hildeborg Hugdal set a nordic bench press record for Jrs. With 102.5 kg. She totaled 505 kg. The USA's Liz Willett totalled 617.5 kg., missing some in the squat and bench. She was described by one of the officials as a "great ambassador of powerlifting", and spent time during all session out meeting people in the crowd, having her picture taken, and generally being Liz. She was, without a doubt, the most photographed lifter at the meet. Sunday's session was for the men 100 kg. and above. Thomas Hansen, of Oslo won the 100's handily, based on a relatively stronger bench, with a 760 kg. total over Jan Roger Johansen at 737.5 kg. Frode Fjogstad totaled 730 kg., Lars Bedin, 720 kg., Tom Egil Olsen, 685 kg., and Kjell Andersen 667.5 kg. Kjell was rewarded for his effort with a picture of his final pull in the National newspaper. Carl O. Christoffersen won the 110 kg. class over a tough field. Carl has unbelievable technique, and despite missing his last two squats, totalled 867.5 kg. His toughness was evident in his coming up with 350 kg. on his third after getting pinned at the bottom on the second. He handled it easily on the second try, and it could have gone either way. He pulled a personal record 320 kg. deadlift, causing much celebration in the crowd and staging area. Rumor has it that Carl is going to retire after 19 years of competition, but we are all hoping not. He is a great representative of powerlifting. Asbjorn Randen placed second with 845 kg., Tollef Taksdal third (835 kg.), and Tor Herman Omland fourth (825 kg.). The 125 kg. class included Norway's Lifter of the Year for 2002 (presented at the banquet Saturday night) Jorn Hoyset. He is still a Jr. lifter, and posted a 910 kg. total. Frode Rui totalled 880 kg., Knut O. Hulbakviken 840 kg. to round out the medals. Henry Ole Larsen placed fourth, lifting without a belt, and Bard Roos Svendsen fifth. The USA's Brad Madvig posted a personal best of 865 kg., which is his first time to break 1900 lbs. He had a nine for nine day, also a first. The +125 kg. class was won by Ronny Morterud, perhaps the most cheerful lifter in the competition. Every lift was completed with a smile, and it was evident in the warmup room that he was happy to be lifting. He totalled 810 kg., followed by Kenneth Heidenberg with 690 kg. Some observations made by the U.S. lifters I think are worth mentioning. The Norwegian lifters seem to have a great deal more fun at their Nationals than we do. This is in part because of the obvious respect that have for each other and the officials. The crowds seem to be louder and more supportive, and truly appreciate the effort a maximum effort. They spent most of the competition on their feet, cheering. The Norway Federation does not use bench shirts in National competition. This does not detract from the efforts of the athletes, and certainly eases warmup time. Perhaps, though more training under international rules will allow the Norwegian lifters to rise to the top of the world rankings. They are certainly gifted enough, as the quality of the squats and deadlifts performed last weekend shows. And I can't think of a more deserving group. Many of the athletes travel a long way to compete, at some trouble and expense to themselves. They receive some financial support from their clubs, but must take the time and trouble to travel long distances (Norway is a big country) to compete. They are much like a group of old friends when they get together, mutually supportive and happy to see each other. Much thanks goes to Nils-Erik Juanto, 18 year old Swedish Jr. competitor. He volunteered to come to help out the U.S. team as we were short of coaching staff, and did a great job as hands-on coach. This young man is equal in talent to many our National Team coaches. Perhaps we could hire him at our world meets. He also brought moonshine, which always helps with good cheer. Finally, we would all like to thank the Norwegian Federation for inviting us. We felt like celebrities, and were honored by recognition at the banquet, and during the competition. Meet organizer Paul Nilsson went out of his way to accommodate us and to make sure we had everything we needed. Tone Ingebretsen met us at the airport and transported us to the hotel. She checked with us often to see that things were going well. Vidar Tangen spent time advertising our arrival and helping us out. Anne Sigrid Stiklestad arranged for out visit to the Olympic Training Center. Alexander Kirketeig served as out driver much of the time. Arnulf Wahlstrom invited us to his home in Halden (120 kg. south of Oslo) Tuesday for sightseeing and a traditional Norwegian dinner prepared by his wife, Bjorg. It was a great experience, a wonderful country to visit, and an outstanding competition. Until next time. Larry |
Photos compliments of Priscilla, more can be seen HERE
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