Greece Update: Incredible Record Set Today
(Note: Even though in the history of kettlebell lifting no one has completed this non-traditional feat of strength to this capacity, Valery is uncomfortable with calling this an official world record since it was not performed at a sanctioned competition.)
Coach Filikidis treated Sport Camp to a once in a lifetime opportunity today. He asked his top kettlebell athlete, Pavlos Georgiadis, to attempt an unofficial world record in the one arm snatch. He needed to complete 145 reps to defeat the defending record holder. By rep 143, the energy in the room was intense. Coach Filikidis had a lot to say to his prized student throughout this incredible moment, but since none of it was in English, I can’t share any of his words of wisdom with you. What I can say with certainty is that Pavlos surpassed his own PR by 15 reps and earned a new record at 180 reps in 9 minutes!
Note: Pavlos snatched 32 kgs on one side (he recently broke his left arm); he did not switch hands. Keep in mind that most elite lifters cannot accomplish this many reps with two hands!
The universal language of love between a great coach and his world class athlete.
It must be amazing to witness this. Enjoy it Maya.
Maya,
Are you even gonna talk to us when you come back???
I love that little Maya is kicking butt over there with this group of big boys. Keep up the great work, girl!
WOW!!! That is some record…. So is he hugging his coach or being carried off the platform?
This is a historical moment. Pablo just beat the world record by 35 reps. To put this into perspective, I suggest you try to do one snatch with the 32kgs. The power that is required to do just one rep is significant. His total work volume in 9 minutes is 12,600 pounds, that’s 6.3 tons. I can’t think of any other sport that requires the human body to exert so much force while at the same time maintaining the high capacity of aerobic endurance needed to accomplish such a feat. Simply amazing. I never thought this was even possible. The folks in Greece are setting the bar for elite human performance.
I remember Eva Angell telling me that physical culture is a favorite pastime over there, but I had no idea. I guess it all makes sense when you consider it’s the birthplace of the Olympics.
Congratulations Pablo!
(after thought: he just beat the world record by 24%)
AMAZING! Thanks for sharing this adventure with us Maya. I hope you will be going again next year so that I can sneak into your suitcase. Have a safe trip home.
Maya, how amazing for you to be part of ALL of this. Good for you! How wonderful that you share it with us.
Looks like a great time!
Is this the same kid?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-j_HKaNhkI
Boris,
That is Pablo in the video. His improvements are incredible in such a short period of time. I don’t think he is even close to his potential.
I agree Surya I would love to go with Maya again next year!!! Congrats Pablo!
Fantastic! Thank you Maya for sharing all this. I love the “fly on the wall” feeling. I can only imagine how exciting it must be to witness it first hand… It’s very inspiring even from afar.