Recap 2014

The First Annual NIAGARA KETTLEBELL SPORT OPEN 2014
Hosts: Jennifer Hintenberger & Team Make It Happen

The Niagara Kettlebell Sport Open, held on June 21, 2014 in St.Catharines, Ontario, consisted of 86 athletes and over 200 friends, family and fans from across Canada and the US, with the furthest traveler, Katarina Helcmanovska, coming all the way from the UK. The event was a huge success! This was the first kettlebell sport event ever held in the Niagara Region and because of the huge support from lifters and friends, both Canadian and American, it immediately became the largest kettlebell competition to be held on Canadian soil.

Energy was high from weeks before the competition to Friday night weigh-ins and help setting up, all the way until the very last flight on Saturday. The day kicked off slightly delayed with internet issues not allowing the computer system, live feed and national anthems to be played. We could not be more proud of how Team Make It Happen wouldn't give up on providing a well-deserved event for all lifters by volunteering to stand in front of everyone and sing both the American and Canadian national anthems. It was a very heart-warming start to an incredible day.

The events that athletes competed in were the three most traditional 10 minute events in kettlebell sport: the biathlon, snatch only and long cycle. Biathlon lifters started off the day. Biathlon lifters were: 12kg - Melissa Bethancourt, 16kg - Robin Spencer, David Tule, Juan Martinez, David Miko, 20kg - Eric MaccIntosh, Grandt Curle, 24kg - Michael Cluse, Mike Sherman, Justin Thomas, 28kg - Eric Reyelt, and 32kg - John Lesko. The female coefficient best lifter was Robin Spencer (199pts - 113 jerks, 86 snatches) and the male coefficient best lifter was Michael Cluse (300pts - 120 jerks, 180 snatches).

Michael Cluse - Male Biathlon Coefficient Best Lifter

Robin Spencer - Female Biathlon Coefficient Best Lifter

Alberto Isidro - Male Snatch Coefficient Best Lifter

Jennifer Hintenberger - Female Snatch Coefficient Best Lifter

The next event to follow was the Snatch. Snatch lifters included: 8kg - Kelly Amey, Julie Tronstad, Lynn Bernabi, Victoria Denny-Lailey, Joanne LaScala, Janet McDaniel, Kim Salmonds, 12kg - Roberta Cromer, Jennifer Gosal, Rachel Bollinger, 16kg - Dominic Arioli, Kevin Stewart, Derek Askey, Dana Chubb, Jennifer Hintenberger, 20kg - Alberto Isidro, Ryan Kennedy, Ryan Matthews, Katarina Helcmanovska, 24kg - Ryan Leaman and Rogelio Raymond.

The female coefficient best lifter was Jennifer Hintenberger (206 reps) and the male coefficient best lifter was Alberto Isidiro (157 reps).

Last but not least were the Long Cycle Lifters! Long Cycle lifters were: 8kg - Alana Krzeczowski, Danielle Wilson, Mary Tantcheva, Stacey Girdlestone, Samantha Micsinszki, 12kg - Janet Krzeczkowski, Dianne Simsovic, Susan O'Neil, Sabrina Rauscher, Shawnna Browne, Alanna Schram, Lauren Serianni, Donna Stewart, Tania Vawda, 16kg - Martha Bryden, Christina Danos, Amanda Donnelly, Regan Melanson, Dorian Leaman, Sheri Whetham, Kirstin Lund, Carol Moroziiuk, Jessica Nieuwland, Holly Stachovskis, Monica Valente, 20kg - Katarina Helcmanovska, JohnBaierlein, Andrew Spencer, Tony Leonardo, Colin Outram Cynthia Roulston, Kelly Bright, Allison Dempsey, Kristi Devenyi, Geraldina Hintenberger, Chrissy Malyk, Vanessa Aykroyd, Dana Baiton, Rachel Bollinger, Cindy Cottorone, Hiliary Haddon, Estella Hom, Shannon Smith, Molly Zyskowski, 24kg - Michael Rhodes, 28kg - Vice Lujan and Jason Lesko.

The female coefficient best lifter in the long cycle was Sheri Whetham and the male coefficient best lifter in the long cycle was Vice Lujan.

Sheri Whetham - Female Long Cycle Coefficient Best Lifter

Vice Lujan - Male Long Cycle Coefficient Best Lifter

HISTORICAL MOMENTS AT THE NIAGARA KETTLEBELL SPORT OPEN

Katarina Helcmanovska was the first woman to ever compete at an official event lifting 2X20kg bells competing in double bell long cycle. Katarina completed the entire 10 minute set lifting the bells for 57 reps. This was a very exciting set, not only for women to watch and be inspired by, but also for men. It is always expected that women are in support of women, and they certainly were, but it was even more refreshing to see and hear 100% of the men in attendance cheering for Katarina and asking questions about why women are not able to compete in double bell events. Many men even admitted and pointed out that her technique was better than their own.

It's very unfortunate that lifting double bells for women is considered "illegal" by the IUKL and, therefore, Katarina's name was not even allowed to be present on the flight schedule. Instead her name showed up as ".." to show which flight and which platform she would be lifting on. The results page showed no number to display her accomplishment.

The support may not be there for women by the creators of this sport but North America showed enormous support and there are most likely lifters and coaches from every country that would agree that women are capable of competing in this discipline with two bells. It's only a matter of time before women continue to break the limitations that have been placed on them and change this sport to become more equal. Katarina quietly and humbly stepped on the platform and demonstrated what can be done with commitment to training and proper coaching and programming. A big step in the RIGHT direction!

If you missed watching Katarina make history for women, here is the link to her video:

Speaking of history being made, Geri Hintenberger, was the first woman at 57 years of age to compete in the 20kg Long Cycle and complete a full 10 minute set. Geraldina put up 71 countable reps (7 no counts). This was not a personal best for herself but it was a best to ever occur on the platform by a 57 year old female. Geri always reminds us that WE are the only ones who limit ourselves and she feels that the most important part of her set is to make sure that she says "I can do this" to herself right before she starts.

Another limitation placed on lifters in GS is the bell weight allowed to be lifted by, both male and female, master lifters. The masters division refers to all lifters over the age of 50 where women and men can register as masters lifters but, as a result, must compete with the 12kg (women) or 16kg (men) bells. Many women including Judi DeMuro (20-24kg lifter), Valerie Pawlowski (24kg lifter), Sheri Whetham (16-20kg lifter) and Sherry Murphy (16kg lifter) and men including Mike Sherman (24-32kg lifter), 16kg lifters - Joe Ventresca, David Tule, Juan Martinez, Dominic Arioli, Kevin Stewart and David Miko, are just a few of the names right here in North America that are bored by the weight required to lift in the masters division so they compete amongst everyone in the younger age categories. It is incredible that they do this but at the same time it's not exactly fair. There are undoubtedly several lifters over the age of 50 in all other countries accomplishing the same feats. Perhaps one day, based on all of these lifters accomplishments, master division lifters will be able to compete against each other with heavier bells and even earn master level ranks. Congrats Geri and thank you for being an inspiration to so many!

If you missed Geri making history for master level lifters, here is the link to her set:

A very special mention to all veteran lifters who competed at the NKSO:

David Tule 16kg Biathlon
Juan Martinez 16kg Biathlon
David Miko 16kg Biathlon
Joe Ventresca 16kg Long Cycle
Dominic Arioli 16kg Snatch
Kevin Stewart 16kg Snatch
Roberta Cromer 16kg Snatch
Victoria Denny-Lailey 8kg Snatch
Joanne LaScala 8kg Snatch
Janet McDaniel 8kg Snatch
Diane Simsovic 12kg Long Cycle
Susan O'Neil 12kg Long Cycle
Martha Bryden 16kg Long Cycle
Sheri Whetham 16kg Long Cycle
Geraldina Hintenberger 20kg Long Cycle

As if that wasn't enough excitement for one day!! Once again, John Lesko cannot go unnoticed!! After being slightly disappointed in his jerk set, John stayed focused on his goals and attacked his 32kg snatch set with grace and power. John maintained a calm disposition as the set went on and didn't seem to struggle at any point. The outcome of his efforts was a NEW AMERICAN NATIONAL RECORD. John broke his own record and set the new one at 174 reps with the 32kg bell. John's entire journey has been inspiring to more people than he realizes and he still manages to keep it going. Congratulations John and best of luck at representing the US in Germany!

Following his national and personal record, John had an even more memorable experience the day following the event. John and his beautiful wife Dina have been pillars in kettlebell sport for years. They both met at a kettlebell/bootcamp style class with Johanna Funk years ago and it's been love ever since. Any time you see this couple you could feel their genuine love for each other. Dina and John took their trip to Niagara as a chance to vow their eternal love for each other in Niagara Falls on Sunday June 22, 2014. You not only have the support of each other but also of so many more of us who you have both inspired and continue to inspire. Congratulations Dina and John!!

Pictures of individual lifters and a complete documentation of all results can be found by clicking this link:
Results 2014

THANK YOU
Even though Team Make It Happen was the host of this event, the triumph of this competition is the result of everyone
involved. There are so many people to thank for the outcome of this event.

Yuri and Sasha Petunovs. Yuri is the President of the AKA and was very helpful in answering questions leading up the Niagara Kettlebell Sport Open to help us run our event according to AKA standards. Yuri and Sasha arrived early to help on Friday night with the set up of clocks, awards and the computer system to complete weigh-ins, calculate flight schedules and determine ranks on the day of the event. Yuri did a perfect job guiding and announcing the event on Saturday, as well as judging and working with Sasha to make sure that the event was also available via the web for online viewers. Thank you!

Marcel McLennan. RCMP Officer, member at Make It Happen and good friend, Marcel, made the biggest event in Canada even more patriotic by showing up fully dressed in his reds and holding the Canadian flag during the opening ceremonies and national anthem. It was great seeing many lifters take the opportunity to take pictures with our favourite RCMP Officer. Marcel truly gave this event even more of a proud Canadian feel!

DJ Darrell Mason. Thanks to Darrell, the Niagara Kettlebell Sport Open was able to offer something completely unique. Once flights were established, the 4 members of each flight were messaged regarding any music requests that they would like to hear played during their sets. DJ Darrell did an unbelievable job meeting these requests for every lifter and there is no doubt that this contributed immensely to the energy of the day and the experience of each lifter. Thank you Darrell!

Joe Ventresca. One of Team Make It Happen's biggest sponsors and supporters, Joe kindly donated the black mats for the platforms that everyone loved! Joe, owner of Advantage Flooring in St.Catharines, has always encouraged Jen and Vice to host a kettlebell event right here in Niagara to provide more opportunities for Canadians to lift. Joe was super excited when he heard that a competition date was finally set and was eager to help in any way possible. The mats fit perfectly and made for a great lifting experience. Thanks for everything that you do Joe!

Ean Sigfrid. Several people have messaged us since the event asking for the specs of the platforms used at the NKSO. The workmanship for both the platforms and the podium, featuring a Niagara Falls and rock theme, can both be attributed to Ean Sigfrid. Ean went above and beyond in building such outstanding platforms and podiums. Thank you for creating these for all of us!

Steve Burroughs. If you are new to kettlebell sport in north America then you may not know this face. After one competition, however, you will know him well. Steve appears at more kettlebell events than any other professional photographer and generously takes time out of his own schedule to provide pictures of every single lifter attending a meet. Steve understands the hard work of every lifter and appreciates their effort regardless of the bell weight or event they are competing in. He has a genuine respect and passion for capturing the successes and challenges that this sport has to offer. Thank you Steve!

Janet Krzeczkowski. At the young age of 21, Janet has already completed several projects as a professional videographer. She is one of the youngest members on Team Make It Happen and after only 5 weeks of training, Janet managed to compete in the 12kg Long Cycle completing 119 reps and still capture the entire event on film. Janet has already been hard at work editing video footage of the NKSO and will be releasing this to us to pass onto you within the next couple of weeks. Thank you Janet!

Steven Parr. More video footage of the event, as well as an interview with Jennifer Hintenberger, was recorded by Cogeco Cable and conducted by Steven. To view this interview and event highlights please click the following link. Thank you Steven and Cogeco! http://www.tvcogeco.com/niagara/gallery/the-source/6975-june-source-stories/89575-kettlebell-open

Judges - Yuri Petunovs, Mike Sherman, Justin Thomas, Vice Lujan, John Baierlein, John Lesko, Dina Lesko, and Jason Lesko. No event can exist without judges. Their time and assistance is greatly appreciated by all lifters and coaches. Vice and I were also happy to see that, as tough as it can be, judges were giving no counts to almost all lifters including many of our own. This is a challenging thing to do but it only makes better lifters in the end. If we missed any names our sincerest apologies and gratitude. Thank you everyone!

Giddy Yo-Yo. Thank you to Giddy Yo-Yo for your generous donation of raw chocolate bars for all participants at the Niagara Kettlebell Sport Open and raw red banaa spears for the overall best lifter awards. Everyone enjoyed receiving these with their trophies and medals and appreciate your donation. We look forward to seeing your table there next year!

Kettlebells for Autism (KB4A). Thank you to Christina Danos for setting up your table at the NKSO. Everyone was extremely excited and proud to wear your gear that is, most importantly, for a great cause but also incredibly comfortable and stylish. You are truly doing great things and lead by example. It was an honour to have you as part of our event and we hope to see you back next year. Thanks Christina!

Geri Hintenberger - Raw Foods By Geri. Thank you mom for setting up your table and providing the chance for lifters to purchase your raw, nutritious snacks to keep them fueled up and feeling loaded with strength and energy. Perhaps these foods contributed to you setting a world record at 57 years old? Secrets out! Thank you mom!

Andy and Shannon Smith. Thank you to Andy for bringing, setting up and ensuring that the mic system worked well for both Yuri as he announced the lifters throughout the day and for DJ Darrell to provide lifters with their requested music. Shannon and Andy, both having music backgrounds and being born in the US, also chose to lead both national anthems and even brought in the American flag as our team felt it was critical to pay respect to our American friends. Thank you Andy and Shannon!

Sherry Mel Murphy. The president of Red Belles herself, Sherry, could not make it to the NKSO but she certainly made sure to be their in spirit. Sherry was already committed to hosting a kettlebell workshop that weekend but we look forward to having her here with us next year. Sherry is an inspiration to many kettlebell lifters and has created a group for kettlebell lifters over the age of 50. She is constantly promoting and encouraging lifters of all ages to strive for their goals. Thank you Sherry for donating Red Belles towels for all of our veteran lifters. Everyone loved and appreciated them. You made their experience extra special. Thank you!

Bell Bringers. Thank you to everyone for lightening the load, literally, of Yuri's trailer making the long trip and crossing the boarder, by bringing your bells to this event. We apologize if we miss anyone and thank you. Thanks to Claude Cromer, Rachel Bollinger and Team Live Well, to Sheri Whetham and The North American Outlaws, to Alisn and Justin Thomas and Team Instinct, to Ryan Kennedy and The Toronto Kettlebell Club, to Ryan and Dorian Leaman and Rogelio of Team Aquia Kettlebell Team, Dana Baiton and all other members of Team MIH, Juan Martinez, Eric Reyelt, Chris Brombley, Cynthia Roulston, Estella Hom and Dominic Arioli. We certainly couldn't lift without bells so thank you very much everyone!! This is just one more way that all competitors show their team work and support for this sport!

Erik Dickson. Erik is our personal MIH designer and marketer. He always does a phenomenal job making everything that we do look better. Erik was responsible for the platform stickers with the MIH Logo and Niagara Kettlebell Sport Open, as well as, for creating the NKSO Open Posterboard for everyone to sign as a memory of the 1st Annual NKSO. Everything turned out perfectly. Thank you Erik!

Holiday Inn. Thank you to Angelo, part owner of the Holiday Inn, for generously supporting us in this event and to Vicki for assisting in making this event come together so beautifully. Both the venue and the dinner at J.J. Kapps were wonderful and we already look forward to next year being even bigger and better. Also, thank you to all of the staff who assisted in set up of the room and to the chef and servers for providing a great experience. Thank you!

Team Make It Happen. Last, but not least, we owe an unending thank you to our members at Make It Happen. Both sport team members and non-sport team members helped to make this event happen. All of you were there to help us any time that we needed you along the journey to this event. There was never a time that we felt alone or as though we didn't have support, ideas and suggestions from our awesome crew at MIH. We hold our members close to our hearts and notice and appreciate every little thing that they do to help us. From offering to contact media coverage, to donations, loading up bells from the studio, helping Yuri put medals together, setting up the mic system, suggesting that we sing both anthems to show respect and appreciation to our American friends, setting up the platforms, tables, etc, working hard in training and being positive motivation for each other, to ending the night with some celebratory drinks. You were a part of this event from beginning to end and we could not be more grateful. Thank you all for your love, support and commitment to training!