My Friend Valentin
2 x 32kg Jerk (17 reps in 1 minute)
Come to find out, we have a mutual friend in Ivan Denisov, the Absolute World Champion. Among other things, he is very intrigued by the ICKB Girls, since the ladies in Russia are not allowed to perform Jerks or Long Cycles.
Below is a recent interview I did with Valentin. Enjoy.
Best,
Steven
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Where do you live?
I live in Rybinsk (Russia, Yaroslavl region)
Which Federation do you belong to?
Russian Federation of Kettlebell Lifting.
How long have you been training with kettlebells?
I started to train for the sport at the age of 12. I am 24 years of age now.
Who is your coach?
Nelehov Yaroslav, however I am currently training without a coach.
What is your favorite lift?
Jerk, but I like the Snatch too…
What does a typical workout look like for you?Â
I tend to focus on the Jerk. All workouts are done with kettlebells between 28-32 kg during periods of training for competition:
1. 8-10 sets X 1 min
2. 5-6 sets X 2 min
3. 4 sets X 3 min or 3 sets X 4 min
4. 1 set X 4 min + 1 set X 5 min or 2 sets X 5 min
5. 1 set X 8 min (28-29 KB only)
(Sometimes I really limit rest time between reps)
What are some of your records outside of official competition?Â
I don’t have too many records outside of competitions. My best results were in competitions:
Jerk 32kg KBs 10 minute: 90 reps
Snatch 32kg KBs 10 minute: 54 reps of each hand
However, here are some “unofficial records”:
Jerk 2 x 32kg KBs 1 minute: 21 reps
Jerk 2 x 28kg KBs 8 minute: 91 reps
Jerk 2 x 26.5kg KBs 8 minute: 101 reps
Jerk 2 x 24kg KBs 10 minutes: 138 reps (I was 17 years old)
Snatch 24kg KBs 10 minutes: 102 (right hand) and 92 left hand
What advice can you give amateur lifters that want to improve performance in KB sport?
1. Always work with good technique!!!
2. Train with kettlebells near 5 times per week without break
In your opinion, who is the best female lifter in Russia today?Â
I think the best female lifter is Irina Pyanko. She lives in Kaluga, homeland of Kettlebell’s legendary Sergey Mishin. 
Her best result in the snatch is 120 reps @ 24kg (both hands). Her body weight 65 kg.
When is your next competition?
European Championships (April 25-29)
The Final Championship of Russia (June 12-15)
Thanks for this. Nice to see what other’s outside US are doing. And I think it is safe to say there are many men intrigued by the ICKB Girls!
LOL Howie… I must say that Valentin’s technique is excellent. At only 60kgs, it has to be excellent otherwise the weight won’t move.
Wow! That video is amazing! Thank for posting!
WOW!! thanks Steven,
The more you find out about these guys, the more unreal it seems…
This is so fantastic to watch. I am amazed at the strength of kettlebell lifters. SO MUCH POWER in long/lean and short/lean bodies. It’s so different from the stereotypical weightlifting physique.
Now remind me again: why do people always talk about lifting smaller weights if you want to be strong & toned but not bulk up?
CDuff, his numbers are off the chart for his body weight. It’s true power – endurance for him.
Patty,
I think that’s the appeal to kettlebell lifting. The aerobic endurance aspect counters the hypertrophy potential. Yes, they are STRONG as hell. Maya has lots of stories.
So true Patty!
Totally amazing! Very inspiring!! Thanks for sharing this
it’s sort of hard to wrap my brain around his weight and the KB weight. Really amazing!
Steven,
I just watched this again a few times and the thing about this guy is not just his flawless technique, but his speed… those bells are are moving up very quickly..
Amazing…
CDuff,
I agree with you. This video is probably one of the best on the internet to date. His drops and lockouts synced perfectly. And the speed is ridiculous. Listen to his heels hit the platform. That’s 12 years of CNS training for ya.
Hi all..
Thank you for interview and for your comments…
It’s very gaily for me
Thanks for the insights and the video! Inspiring!
Valentin,
We have never met, but when we do, I want your autograph! You have the prettiest jerk technique I have ever seen. Awesome to watch!