It is a world of power in Trogir this weekend, so we talked with Siniša Knežević, president of the Croatian Powerlifting Organization
Competitive Powerlifting is a sport of strength. The power-lifts include squat, bench press and deadlifts and they are increasingly being recognized as principal exercises in the development of individual’s true strength and contribute greatly to bodily health and general well being. These lifts are popular training activities exercised in gymnasiums throughout the world, with men and women of all ages being able to relate to, and enjoy them. Trogir will be the venue for the Classic Open Tournament in Powerlifting, a little-known sport apart from the fitness community in Croatia. To get some information about this attractive looking sport, we talked with Mr. Siniša Knežević, one of the organizers of the tournament which is to start on Saturday, March 19. 2016.
What is Powerlifting, and how is it different from weightlifting?
This is a sport that includes three disciplines: squat, bench press, and deadlift. In the classical weightlifting, it is more about explosive power, technique and rules, and you have to lift the weight over the head while Powerlifting it is much more freestyle lifting, and it is actually about the real, absolute power.
How many people are involved in powerlifting in Croatia?
Well, actually anybody who hits the gym is somewhat of a powerlifter, but as for the active competitors, there are around 250 men and women involved. There are a couple of organizations, and as for ours, CPO, we stage four tournaments during the year; Trogir, Bjelovar, Gospić, and the final tournament in Zagreb at the end of the year. As for the Trogir Open, we have 96 participants enrolled.
Are there any professional powerlifters in Croatia?
If you ask about the people who can make a living out of this sport, unfortunately, the answer would be no, but if you are asking about time dedicated to this sport, and the lifestyle of our competitors, they are more involved than many professional sportsmen.
If you think you are strong enough, if you are hitting the gym on a daily basis, give it a try, and if not, you can simply enjoy watching some really strong men and women lifting bars that are bending by the heaviness of the weights.
