The fourth annual Grip Strength Invitational took place Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 at the Coast Bastion Inn and online. (Rachel Robertson)

By Dan Marshall

Heavy Lifting

Nanaimo kettlebell competition takes innovative approach to continued competition

Oct 8, 2020 | 7:34 PM

NANAIMO — The fourth Grip Strength Invitational took on a slightly different form but the Harbour City’s annual kettlebell competition was a success.

The two day event featured 16 lifters almost exclusively from Vancouver Island competing at the Coast Bastion Inn on Oct. 3 and then on Oct. 4 other athletes joined in online.

Co-organizer Rachel Robertson said there were six people who were still able to take part without actually being there.

“We used Zoom and we set it up so that we had judges and lifters conferencing online.”

Robertson noted that an online mental performance seminar offered on YouTube was also a part of the weekend.

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When it began the Grip Strength Invitational was held in conjunction with Hercules Weightlifting but it has been a stand alone event for the past three years.

Nanaimo’s event was only the second held on the Island since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Robertson said it was a goal not just to put on a successful competition but a safe indoor event as well.

“We wanted to create a standard so we could keep this going with the appropriate measures in place. We didn’t have anyone fighting against wearing a mask and people were good about social distancing and keeping to small groups.”

Three local lifters, Marie Agusto, Jay Summers and Curtis Lajeunesse made the Grip Strength Invitational their first ever competition.

In a year where training schedules have been particularly challenging Robertson lauded the courage of the first timers.

“I’m super proud for anyone to take on a new endeavour and to get up there and overcome having to be in front of people and try a new sport.”

Having a yearly public event is important in the kettlebell community to see the sport grow.

“It’s important to keep the ball rolling, we want to have more people out. For example we had people who have tried the sport once or twice come and spectate. We want to create an environment for everyone to work on their own personal goals and continue to grow from that.”

The intention is to run another Grip Strength Invitational in 2021. Robertson believes the interest from competitors and new safety standards in place will allow that to happen.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77