Olympic Weightlifting
Coordinator
Philip Middleton
Location: Wanganui
Phone: 06 349 0600
Cell: 027 630 9703
Extn: 65057
Email: philip.middleton@police.govt.nz
Overview
Olympic Weightlifting is arguably the most spectacular of all Olympic sports. Weightlifting epitomises the human desire to seek out challenges, to attempt to do what is seemingly impossible, and to succeed. At the highest level, Weight Lifting is very much a contest between an athlete and his or her belief in themselves. It is a pure test of flesh and blood against iron and gravity.
Olympic Weightlifting involves lifters competing in two difference disciplines, the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk. The best lift for each discipline will equate to your total result. A solid beginner program usually consists of training 1- 1.5 hours a day 3- 4 day’s a week. Higher level competitors can train 2-3 times a day 4-6 days a week.
Weightlifting in New Zealand
New Zealand currently has 7 Clubs running Nationally, from North sport on the North shore of Auckland down to the Southland Club, in between are Auckland Central, Counties Manakau, Wellington, Christchurch and Canterbury. Outside of these centres there are many individuals passionate about the sport in most other cities in New Zealand.
The governing body iz OWNZ, Olympic Weightlifting New Zealand.
Each year OWNZ hosts a round robin tournament, once a month from February through to August, Then the NZ Nationals are held in October.
The round robin consists of each of the 7 clubs nominating up to 7 lifters to compete for each round, the competitions are held at their respective centres, then results are collated together and results are produced. Congratulations to WOW, Wellington Olympic Weight-lifting for winning the 2009 competition.
New Zealand has had varying successes internationally, Precious Mackenzie (54Kg) won gold representing New Zealand at the 1978 Commonwealth games. Nigel Avery (105Kg+) placed in top 20 at the 2000 Summer Olympics and then went on to win Gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, we failed to qualify lifters at the 2004 Athens Olympic, but beat Australia in 2008 to win the Oceania championships resulting in obtaining two places at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Our representatives in 2008 were Mark Spooner (69Kg) and Richie Patterson (77Kg), both finished notably in the top 20 of there respective weight categories.
Getting Involved
To get started in the sport you should contact me and I'll put you in contact with other lifters or coaches in your area. Then look at competing at your local OWNZ League which is perfect to get you used to competing and involved with the sport. From there you can compete in the North/ South Island Champs and then the Nationals Championship. You have to be a member of the OWNZ member to compete at these events
If you are interested in joining or competing in an event contact me for registration and competition forms.
Events
| 31st October 2009 | National Championships | Millennium Institute, Auckland |
| 13th February 2010 | OWNZ League Kicks off | All Centers |
Links
| Southland Olympic Weightlifting |
Containing information about Olympic Weight Lifting in Southland and New Zealand |
| Queensland Weight Lifting Association |
A great website produced by Queensland Australia Weight Lifting, containing information about the sport, training philosophies and programs, products, coaching advise and various other information relating to the sport of Olympic Weight Lifting |
| Powerhouse Gym Forums |
Powerhouse Gym, Wellington. Great national community forums for all strength sports, including Olympic Lifting. |