Escalating Density Training DVD
Muscle Logic
The Unnatural Athlete
Physically Incorrect A Cross Between Kendo And Pole Vaulting
I think of the two weightlifting events (the snatch, and clean & jerk) as a cross between Kendo and pole vaulting.
Like Kendo, weightlifting has an austerity to it that many sports do not. Kendoists spend their lifetimes trying to perfect a few (seemingly) simple movements. This lack of variety stands in stark contrast to events like the decathalon or strongman competitions. You won't find any high level weightlifters or Kendo-ka with ADD.
And like the pole vault, weightlifting can result in serious injury— this is what separates weightlifters from "guys who lift weights." It's not just a matter of pulling as hard as you can— in addition to harnessing very high levels of effort, weightlifters must also ensure a very high level of precision— failure to do so puts them at a very real risk of debilitating injury.
Jedd Johnson on Sep 18, 2007 3:25:05 PM:
I see where you are coming from on pole vault, although I am not sure I agree. Pole vault is highly dependent on the utilization of the springiness of the pole - this is not the case in Olympic lifting. While the Olympic bar bends and flexes, it does not offer assistance to the athlete when it does so, like the pole does for the vaulter.