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French Weightlifting Federation Elections

The French Weightlifting Federation (FFHM) held its General Assembly and Elections on 25th March, 2017 at the INSEP in Paris. Jean-Paul Bulgaridhes was elected with 67,16 % of the votes under the vision of a “United effective and shared Governance”. In his speech full of hope he paid tribute to his predecessor Marc Andrieux offering him the Honorary President title. He invited all present stakeholders to take part in this new adventure. Already President between 2001 -2013,  he wishes to put as his priority the Clubs.

Ivan Abadzhiev died at 85

Former Bulgarian weightlifting coach Ivan Abadzhiev, one of the sport's most successful and prominent figures, died at age 85. Widely known as "The Pope of Weightlifting," Abadzhiev led Bulgaria to 10 Olympic, 57 world and 64 European titles between 1968 and 2000, making weightlifting the most successful sport in the Balkan country's. As a competitor, he won Bulgaria's first World Championship medal after finishing second in the men’s 67.5 kg bodyweight category in Tehran in 1957. He was voted "Coach of the Century" in Bulgaria. Abadzhiev, who went on to train the Turkish national team in the 1990s, also served as a lawmaker in his homeland before moving to work as coach in the United States. Under Abadzhiev, the weightlifting team hit a low at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul when the country's former Communist authorities sent them home after two athletes were stripped of their gold medals due to positive doping tests. It is very unfortunate that in his latest years, his name was linked to various doping scandals as since 1946, Bulgaria registered 47 doping cases. Source:

Patagonia in action

Chile and Argentina have a long common border and many time it is shorter to cross the border than reach another city within the country. The classic example is to compare the distance between Santiago and Punta Arenas in Chile, or between Buenos Aires and Rio Gallegos in Argentina (2.500-3.000 Km), with the distance between Santiago and Buenos Aires (1.500 Km), or from Santiago to Mendoza (less than 400 Km). In this scenario the local organizations in the south of both countries (The Patagonia), have took the lead and have begun to organized bi-national championships one time in one side, another time on the other side. With two focal points: one between Puerto Montt, Calbuco in Chile - Bariloche, Neuquén in Argentina (Center-South); the other between Punta Arenas in Chile - Rio Gallegos, Rio Grande in Argentina (Extreme South), it is becoming to consolidate a place in the annual calendar in both countries. As part of this activities, at the end of the last year was developed at Punta Arenas the second version of the Alexis Nahuelquén Cup with competitors of Punta Arenas (CHI), Rio Gallegos (ARG) and Rio Grande (ARG). Early this year, on February 11th, took place in the city of Calbuco, the Open Patagonia Championships, with representatives from Valdivia (CHI), Puerto Montt (CHI), Calbuco (CHI), Escuela and Gym Umbral from Bariloche (ARG). With only local economic support, the competition was attended by many local and regional authorities who promise his support to weightlifting, developing in an enthusiastic and friendly environment. The Chilean National Federation is very happy with this initiative and supported the organization with part of the technical staff and offered a Course for Technical Officials, to hosts and visitors. Also, this competition is a good approach to the National Sport Games will be developed in May, where the expectative are to see the participation of all the regions in weightlifting. Source:

Oscar Osthoff was born on March 23rd

Mr. Oscar Osthoff had outstanding results in weightlifting but also in other sports like American football, athletics, gymnastics and swimming as well. Born in 1883, March 23rd he was among the first weightlifters to win Olympic Gold Medals in St. Louis at the 1904 Olympic Games. His greatest achievements happened at home during the third Summer Olympic Games where he defeated everyone in one hand Snatch. In two hand Clean and Jerk he had only one real rival, the Greek Mr. Periklis Kakousis who won against him and only allowed him to win a second place. The multi-talented Mr. Osthoff even worked as a football and athlete coach at the Washington State University. He passed away as a professional consulting engineer at the age of 67 in December,

American Samoan Weightlifting Federation Elections

American Samoan Weightlifting Federation held its Electoral Congress. Mr. Ed Imo was re-elected as President, also recently elected as the President of the American Samoan National Olympic Committee. More presidents of weightlifting federations around the world who have now additionally the title of National Olympic Committee President. President: Mr. Ed Imo Vice President:  Mr. Carl Floor, Sr Secretary General:  Mrs. Liliu Mailo Congratulations to all the elected

Weightlifting Ireland President paid a visit to the IWF

The President of the Weightlifting Ireland Federation, Mr. Colin Buckley paid a visit to Budapest and held discussions with the IWF President Dr. Tamas Ajan. The representatives of the different key areas shared information regarding education and development. Work of the European Coaching Research & Scientific Committee and additional subjects were covered i.e. coach trainings (iCoach Kids European Program, 21st Century European Coaching Development Pathway) all under the guidance of the IWF. Last year's European Coaches Research & Scientific Conference was also