🏋️ a 19-year-old breaks an olympian's record

Why hello there! We think it's fair to assume some of these fantastic strength sports figures could use a vacation like this holiday weekend. They've certainly earned it.

Team USA's weightlifting roster has no shortage of stars. After winning gold at the 2022 USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals, 19-year-old Olivia Reeves might be the next big thing — and a potential Olympian in 2024.

He's the king of overhead events, but Chieck "Iron Biby" Sanou is assuredly no slouch when lifting from the floor. A recent staggering deadlift double is all the evidence he needs.

It can be tough to come back and lift heavy in the gym after time away. The best advice around on how to return to strength training after a break.

Let's get it rolling!

Weightlifting

Olivia Reeves Wins Junior Nationals With American Record Clean & Jerk

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games are about two years away, and Team USA is already starting to look ahead. Judging by one athlete's recent performance, they might have their next star in the waiting.

On June 29, 2022, weightlifter Olivia Reeves captured a 138-kilogram (304.2-pound) clean & jerk at the 2022 USA Weightlifting Junior National Championships. The lift is a new Junior AND Senior American Record for the 71-kilogram division. Ultimately, with a 110-kilogram (242.5-pound) snatch and a 248-kilogram total, the 19-year-old Reeves took home the gold medal in her weight class.

Given the ramifications, Reeves' performance could be a significant footnote for the 71-kilogram division. Current World Champion Meredith Alwine's best-ever international total is 238 kilograms (524.7 pounds). Meanwhile, 2020 Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Kate Vibert (formerly Kate Nye)'s top total from that event was 249 kilograms (548.9 pounds).

We don't want to get hasty, but if a 19-year-old athlete like Reeves is already matching some of her finest peers, then a spot on the Team USA roster for Paris might be up for grabs. At the very least, Reeves has put herself on the map.

Here's more on the rising Reeves' showing.

Strongman

400-Kilogram Deadlift Double Shows Off Chieck Sanou's Range

There are countless strong people all over the world. But one man, Chieck "Iron Biby" Sanou, is unmatched in overhead events. The athlete from Burkina Faso owns the current axle press World Record of 217 kilograms (478 pounds) and the log press World Record of 229 kilograms (504.8 pounds). And like any great strongman, it seems his range isn't limited.

On June 29, 2022, Sanou shared footage of himself pulling a 400-kilogram (881.9-pound) deadlift double during a training session. In the past, Sanou has usually elected to participate in only one event at strongman competitions, often competing strictly with his overhead prowess. A 400-kilogram stiff bar deadlift is nothing to scoff at, considering that it hovers around a common weight for said contests.

While he hasn't confirmed it, we could soon see Sanou try his hand at a deadlift with official stakes. The strongman will feature at the 2022 Giants Live Strongman Classic on July 9 in London, England. There's little doubt he'll excel in any overhead challenges.

But if he can transfer this deadlift over: the rest of the field should consider admitting he's simply wired a bit differently.

Read here about Sanou's dive into massive deadlifts.

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• Are experienced and passionate writers

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Interested in learning more and think you might have what it takes? Check out our handy dandy application form to start the assessment process!

Training

How To Get Back In the Saddle After A Break

It's easy to say we'll stay 100 percent committed to lifting heavy objects at the gym regularly, but no one's perfect. When life gets in the way (the cat left a mess on the kitchen floor, you've lost your all-important mojo), your gains can and probably will take a backseat.

Whenever you get your valuable energy back for strength training, it's essential to know your limits. After noticeable time away, you might be unable to pull, squat, press, or push the same weight you used to. At least for a little while. But you still have to push yourself. It's a fine line that many of us have walked repeatedly.

If you've been absent from the gym for whatever we've devised a guide to help get you comfortable in your strength shoes again. We trust that once you've gone over all the science, research, and advice we've compiled: you'll be back to your old brawny self in no time.

Everything Else

Mitchell Hooper's Deadlift on the Path to Glory

• After a fantastic debut at the 2022 World's Strongest Man, Mitchell Hooper seems prepared to take strongman by storm. A recent pair of deadlift singles is another example of his potential.

• Ex-MLB pitcher Kyle Farnsworth recently won his first professional bodybuilding contest. Check out an interview on what went into his rigorous training process and much more.

• In a continued appreciation of history, here's a look back at every winner of the Fitness Olympia.

• Think you have a firm grip? Try out the Farmer's Carry, and make your grasp may be stronger than ever.