A few weeks ago Drew Dillon, our state record holder in the 85kg class and I made a last second decision to attend the CF Games in Carson, CA. We were able to get a few first-rate tickets to enter the Games, thanks to great sponsors in Hylete and Crossfit Malibu and I remember feeling like we had just received the golden ticket from Willy Wonka.
As we watched the CF game competitors this year and especially the clean & jerk ladder for the men and the women, a few things came to mind.
One, the technique each year for the Olympic lifting portions is getting better and better. Competitors have continued to improve their technique with emphasis on a few important items. The best results are from competitors that do full squat movements. These lifters appear to be the ones that are seeking out help from Olympic Weightlifting coaches and lifting programs that teach proper lifting methodology.
Additionally, the athletes that are avoiding trying to jump in the air with a big shrug and high pull at the top of their lift are increasing their tonnage. Every event that had some kind of Olympic lifting portion really proved to be the pivotal turning point in gaining or losing ground. The best technicians and quite frankly, the best athletes that proved to move well without breaking form typically finished higher in the events and with it, better placement and more money!
We watched Lucas Parker and one other athlete on the men’s side of the fence closest to us from the stands at the Stub Hub field give it a go on the heaviest clean & jerk ladder of the three, which makes us wonder why there were no difficulty points awarded for starting so heavy. (hint hint CF HQ)
We saw a classic bell curve with the men in terms of lifts made for the competitors by the time they finished on the carpet at the stadium.
In comparison, look where 211kg/464.2lbs Kendrick Farris’ bronze medal lift from the WUG game would have placed him at this competition (See the video Here).
Who knows what events will be at next year’s CF Games, but I for one hope they include more of the lifts in all the events, as they seem to be the flash point of turning points in the determination for the fittest athlete of all.
Yours in Sport,
Mark Cannella
columbusweightliftingblog 
Thank you for any other informative site. Where else may just I get that type of information written in such a perfect approach?
I have a challenge that I’m just now running on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such info.
LikeLike