After two long years without competitions, we had four lifters take on the annual Howard Cohen American Masters meet!
Janice made 48 and 50 kgs on the snatch, as well as her second attempt clean and jerk at 63 kgs. These lifts all became new American masters records in the 55 year old / 45 kg group. Additionally, Janice’s efforts were good for Best Lifter out of all the women in her age category, and Grandmaster of the competition. This award goes to a lifter who placed highest after adjusting for both age and bodyweight, and it is Janice’s second consecutive Grandmaster title at this meet!
This was Donna’s first competition since undergoing shoulder surgery just over a year ago. She put together a great performance, making 34 kgs in the snatch and going three for three in the clean and jerk. Her 46 kg clean and jerk, combined with the 34 kg snatch, gave her the bronze medal for women’s 55 years old / 64 kgs and qualified her for next year’s Masters Worlds.
We are so proud of the hard work these two have put into their training over the last several years. They are truly leaders amongst their peers and inspiring to everyone around them. The atmosphere when the 55-60 year old ladies compete is one of positivity, mutual respect, and joy. Yes, awards are given and there are winners are announced, but these sessions feel more like celebrations than competitions. What a wonderful experience to be a part of!
Sarah came into this meet more focused, more relaxed, and more certain of herself than ever before. Her snatches were smooth and she made all three at 61, 63, and 65 kgs. The clean and jerks were all makes as well - Sarah went 75, 78, 80 for a competition PR in the clean and jerk as well as a huge PR in the total and a six for six day!
Christine came back from missing her opening snatch at 60 kgs to make the five remaining lifts. She was successful with 60 kgs on the second attempt and followed it up with a strong 62 kgs, putting herself in medal contention going into the clean and jerks. She looked sharp and composed on all three attempts, making 73, 76, and 79 to take the bronze medal for 35 year old / 59 kg women!
Fantastic performances and huge learning experiences for both lifters, in very different ways. One, an experienced competitor working to relax in the meet environment and bring all of herself into each lift. The other, a first time competitor working through the wide variety of feelings and sensations that the meet environment brings up. It takes tremendous vulnerability for a lifter to put themselves out there on the competition platform. We are so proud of how these two showed up to celebrate and express themselves on meet day. Strong work!
As always, a huge shoutout to the FTH community that makes our participation in events like these possible. So many people were a part of this process, in ways big and small. Weightlifting may be an individual sport, but behind every athlete’s successful performance is an incredible support team - much appreciation and gratitude for you all!