The best lifter...

Troy Archie · 02-04-2008, 09:32 AM

The best O-lifter at a competition, at any level is the _______?

strongest
fastest
powerful
most prepared
most skilled/technical
confident
all the above
other…

I overheard a conversation at my gym the other day and pondered that question. I’m stumped.

John Alston · 02-04-2008, 09:41 AM

The official decision is based on the sinclair formula. It's designed to create a total that can measure lifters across weightclasses, and the "best lifter" at a meet is the one whose sinclair total is the highest.
At any particular meet it could be any one or combination of your choices, but the way it's figured is here: http://www.iwf.net/iwf/sport_org/wei...t/sinclair.php
It's kind of like a mathematical way to figure out best kilo for kilo lifter.
Also, somewhere in my training log I did some work with it, and might have a better link. I know you can get an excel ready version of the formula.

Mike ODonnell · 02-04-2008, 10:07 AM

Changing my vote to the one who doesn't drop it on his head....that's a victory in my book.

Troy Archie · 02-04-2008, 11:16 AM

I'm aware of how the "best lifter" is decided using the sinclair formula. I'm asking this question in regards to athleticism, not math. It's a very complex sport...

John Alston · 02-04-2008, 01:29 PM

Well, I think the sinclair is a great way to answer the original question.
The sport is a complex mix of all those athletic elements you listed, and maybe even more. The best lifter at an(y) event will demonstrate their superiority by their sinclair total.
Deficiencies in any one of those areas will hurt performance.
The strongest lifter, for example, does not always win if not technically sound (think Patera losing to Alexeev).
But a technician lifting light weights is not greatness, either.
Thus we have a nice metric.

Aimee Anaya Everett · 02-05-2008, 08:24 AM

Troy,
Yes the award "best lifter" is decided based on the sinclair formula. However, if you are asking what makes a lifter the best based on those factors you listed, it is a combination of everything. You can have the strongest, quickest, fastest lifter and you can have a weaker lifter with a tougher mind. Those who have their best lifting days are those who can pull together their mental strength, focus, physical strength, calmness, and attitude all at the precise moment of the peak of their cycle, which is, hopefully, on the day of their competition.