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Interview with:
Jim Kavarnos (aka - Jimmy K)
2002 American Open 132lb Champion
2003 Senior National Bronze Medallist
Those of us who frequent the USAPL Forum are used to seeing the friendly posts by 'Jimmy K' and the wonderful pictures he takes from various meets and shares with us all. Jimmy has an interesting success story that I found very inspiring when chatting with him from time-to-time and I think you will all enjoy learning a little more about our fellow lifter, Jimmy K.
Jimmy's Stats:
Hometown: Beach Lake, PA
Occupation: High School Math/Physics Teacher
Weight Class: 132
Age: 48 Master (45-49)
Competition Lifts: Squat 330 Bench 231 Deadlift 385 Total 937
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Priscilla: Jimmy, tell us how you got started in powerlifting:
Jimmy K: I started 3-lift powerlifting December 2001. A friend, Larry Patrisso got me started and gave me a lot of advice seeing as he used to lift in the 80's & 90's. I would always enter in the Masters Divisions (45-49) and win. One day he was coaching me and said that the reason I win is because there are not many 132 lb master lifters and if I enter in the open division I would not be winning as much. I knew he was right so, reluctantly the next meet I attended I entered in the Masters and Open divisions. This was The 2002 American Open in Philadelphia PA.
Priscilla: You competed in the first USAPL American Open last year. This meet was designed to give lifters who have not yet established a qualifying national total (or elite total in the previous 3 years) to compete on a platform ran with the same high standards and expectations as an Open National meet. Please tell us your experience at the American Open.
Jimmy K: Well I went and lifted the best I had ever lifted. I know there are many 132 lb men who could have beaten me, however, they were not there entered in The Open Division that day. I WAS and I won! I could not believe it…here I am at the biggest, classiest looking meet I had ever been to, AND I qualified to go to The Nationals. My head was spinning. I felt quite unqualified to go to The Nationals as I could not lift the qualifying total but decided I would get to work and go for the (maybe once in a lifetime) awesome experience.
Priscilla: As part of the American Open, those winning are automatically qualified to compete in the Men's and Women's Open Nationals. Jimmy, you were one of the American Open winning Champions who went on to compete at Senior Nationals in South Dakota this year, how was it?
Jimmy K: I can honestly say now, that the meet ranks as one of the greatest experiences of my life. All of the world champions were just so down to earth and made me feel like I WAS qualified to be there. I already felt pretty good since Rob Keller allowed me to be on Team Pennsylvania. I lifted Saturday morning with Rob as my new coach.
Priscilla: And how was your performance on the National Platform?
Jimmy K: I lifted my best meet ever, 8 for 9, with pr's in squat, deadlift, and total. Holy cow…I won the bronze medal. Again there are many 132 pounders that could lift more than me but they were not there that day. I could not believe I went to Nationals and came back with a medal.
Priscilla: What were some of your most memorable events from the Senior National's weekend?
Jimmy K: The best thing about Nationals was the people. Everyone was just great. Here I am talking to the people I read about in Powerlifting USA and Pure Power magazine …and they are giving me advice, talking with me, laughing with me…wow.
Watching 2 other American Open winners, Mike Campbell and Mike D'Amore, go 9 for 9 and 8 for 9 respectively with Mike Campbell winning the bronze medal in the 198s was good.
I shared a room with 2 great lifters and meet directors (Rob Keller & Paul Fletcher) so I learned a lot about powerlifting in general from them and also laughed so hard with them. I had a sad feeling at the airport, almost like I missed everybody whom I had just met. I sat next to Tony Sucarotte on the first leg of my journey home so it wasn't so bad. I can't wait to see them all again and meet other folks too.
Priscilla: Jimmy, I know you coach a bunch of young kids. Are they just as excited about your performance at both the American Open and Senior Nationals as we are?
Jimmy K: I share my excitement with all of the kids and adults at the school, the YMCA, and elsewhere. I always take digital photos at the meets and print a few pages to carry around so I can share the experience with other people. The Nationals were the best...I had a Powerlifting USA magazine with Sioux-z Hartwig on the cover along with photos of me and her hanging out at the meet. I also showed them the photo of you and me, Priscilla and told them of your giant PRs.
I am now training for The 2003 American Open and my excitement is already rubbing off as people at work are asking me about my next meet.
Priscilla's Final thoughts/comments: The American Opens were designed to give a national meet experience to those who have not been to a national event or who would not normally qualify. The Open Champion from each class automatically qualifies to be a competitor at both Women's and Men's Nationals. I encourage all who can to participate in the American Open and take the plunge of a lifetime like Jimmy K did and have the chance to compete at Nationals in 2004.
Jimmy's personal website (along with many photos) is: http://Jimik.net/
Thanks again Jimmy for the interview, I look forward to seeing your success on the National platform for years to come!
Priscilla Ribic
USAPL Athlete's Rep.
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