I still remember when I began competing at powerlifting, having to break it gently to a few of my clients that, “No the likelihood of me qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics in weightlifting is not very good, especially since I compete at powerlifting.”
To the innocent bystander, we crazy barbell hoisters might all look the same. But powerlifting and weightlifting are actually two different sports. Powerlifters compete at three lifts: squat, bench and deadlift. Weightlifters compete at the snatch and clean & jerk. Some athletes like CrossFitters practice both disciplines, but the most elite lifters usually specialize in one or the other.
This weekend the two sports come together for the 5 Bar Showdown, a joint USA Weightlifting and USA Powerlifting sanctioned event where athletes will compete for cash prizes in weightlifting or powerlifting or BOTH.
Those competing at both will establish a Super Total – the combined score of their best lifts in the squat, bench press, deadlift, snatch, and clean & jerk.
If you’re at all curious about competing in either sport, or if you just like observing awesome feats of strength, this is a great event to check out. The meet takes place Saturday and Sunday at Meadowcreek High School (4455 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093). Spectator admission is $5 a day (or volunteer for free!).
Saturday schedule-
8:30a-1:45p – Male Weightlifting (Super Total)
9a-2:30p – Raw Male Powerlifting (non-Super Total)
3:30-6:30p – Male & Female Weightlifting (non-Super Total)
3:30-6:30p – Raw Male Powerlifting (Super Total)
Sunday schedule-
8:30a-12n – Female Weightlifting (Super Total)
9a-1:30p – Female Powerlifting & Equipped Powerlifting (non-Super Total)
2-5p – Female Powerlifting (Super Total)
Special thanks to meet directors Josh Rohr, Caleb & Kelly Williams for making this happen. They also rely on the help of a huge crew of volunteers. Several volunteer for this weekend. Volunteers of ALL EXPERIENCE LEVElS are needed. So even if you’ve never worked at a meet before, you can donate your time.
Register here to volunteer.
I’ll be there Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. I look forward to seeing some awesome displays of strength and all my friends in the strength community!
For more info on upcoming Georgia powerlifting meets, visit this page.
