Sharlene Totals 82kg at LOWA Series 2…
Sharlene @sharlz87 started at Hackney @hackneyweightliftingclub in our 'Intro to Barbells for Women' class but after a couple of months progressed to Olympic Lifting, under Coach Amelia Álamo @amelia_hwc. After four months of Olympic Weightlifting training at Hackney and 2 Iron Sessions, Sharlene felt ready to test herself in her first competition at LOWA Series 2, her lifts were:
Snatch............... 39kg
Clean & Jerk....43kg
Total...................82kg
Even though she had to attempt her first Clean & Jerk without warming up (this is the nature of competitions) she handled her nerves well, getting 5 out of 6 lifts.
Sharlene has been in competition mode the last three weeks, perfecting the two movements but paying special attention to her unusual sumo-style Clean (as used by Welsh lifter Ieuan Owen in the 70s) which is still being tested to see if she can perfect it when lifting heavy.
Coach Amelia Álamo / Sharlene / Coach Pat Atteridge / Joe Kelly (left to right) from Hackney Olympic Weightlifting Club London at LOWA Series 2
She says: ‘Today was my first actual competition. I tried to remain calm and focus on the areas I knew I needed to work on, but also have fun at the same time. Before I knew it, it was time to go. The atmosphere was exhilarating and you could feel the energy from the competitors. Pat said, "Find a target spot so that when you do your lifts you have something to focus on", which really helped as I achieved 5 out of 6 of my lifts. The first lift was so quick I don't even remember it, but after that I started to get the groove of things.
I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like this and will definitely be competing in more competitions in the future.’
Thank you to Hackney members for their help and a special mention to Coach Pat (World Masters Champion 62kg | 2002) for always being there to support lifters and coaches in this beautiful journey. Your knowledge and experience in this sport speak for themselves.