The purpose of this article is to provide those who both recruit and train young weightlifters with an overview of
the selection process of Junior weightlifters used by coaches and trainers in the former Soviet Union.
I would like to state at the outset that those who might not meet these somewhat stringent standards should by
no means be excluded from actively seeking to maximize their own potential as athletes. Olympic lifting requires
patience, dedication, and discipline from those who undertake to master the skills needed to succeed. In my
opinion, the further development of such character traits is reason enough in and of itself to take up the sport.
However, I also feel that the guidelines set forth within the article can be of great value in recognizing young
athletes who possess extraordinary athletic ability and consequently would be ideally suited to meet the high
standards required of those who eventually reach the highest levels of achievement.
The requirement norms as presented in tables 1 and 2 are noteworthy in two particular aspects. First, they focus
on both general as well as sport specific skills. And second, the general physical preparatory work (GPP) covers
a wide range of motor skills. For example, the norms test strength from both a static and dynamic perspective
and various types of strength (i.e. absolute strength, power, and explosive strength) are tested. Both the
phosphate and lactate energy systems of the body are challenged. Flexibility and mobility are also considered.
Overall, the scope of both the breadth and depth of the testing means are impressive.
In Table 1 below the ten GPP standards are listed. The results are assessed in points. The first number to the
right of the exercise is awarded 3 points and the next two are awarded 4 and 5 points respectively.
Table 1
1 Pushups
Reps
15
20
25
2 Parallel Bar Dips
Reps
6
8
12
3 4m Rope Climb
Seconds
20
15
12
4 4m Rope Climb with arms only
Seconds
22
20
18
5 Static Exercise - holding legs at 90
degrees in hanging position
Seconds
3
5
8
6 Forward Bend with legs straight
Flexibility
fingers to
palms to
palms to floor
floor
floor
and head on knees
7 60m Run
Seconds
9.3
9.0
8.9
8 500m Run
Seconds
100
82
85
9 Standing Long Jump
Centimeters
160
170
180
10 4Kg. Shot Putt
Meters
7
8
9
The maximal score that can be tallied is therefore 50 points. Scores between 40 and 45 would indicate unusually
gifted young athletes. The tests are most often administered to 13-14 year olds so the standards ought to be
adjusted accordingly for those who are older or younger.
Table 2 lists the sport specific norms or the special physical preparation (SPP) norms. The scoring format is
applied in the same manner as above with Table 1.
Table 2
1 Snatch
% of Bodyweight
70
80
85
2 Clean & Jerk
% of Bodyweight
80
90
100
3 Bench Press
% of Bodyweight
75
85
90
4 Squat
% of Bodyweight
100
110
120
The figures in the last 3 columns represent the amount of weight lifted as a percentage of the lifters bodyweight.
The maximum score possible from the SPP is therefore 20 points. Scores of 14-18 points would indicate a
naturally gifted performer.
The above data was excerpted from "A System of Multi-Year Training in Weightlifting" by the late A.S.
Medvedev.
by Jim O’Malley
