Denisov Sets New Absolute World Records in Kettlebell Sport

On Sunday 28th April, Ivan Denisov competed at the Open Military Cup 2013 in his home town of Chelyabinsk.  This turned out to be a momentus day, both for Denisov and for the sport of kettlebell lifting: he set new absolute world records for both jerk (176 points) and biathlon (287 points).

The previous absolute world record for biathlon of 286 points was set just last year (by Denisov of course).  So this new record was just one point higher - at that level even the smallest gains take an incredible amount of work and Denisov himself said: "1 point realy difficult!!!!".

The previous absolute world record for jerks (also Denisov's) was 175 points, so that too was only one point less than the new record and it has taken him 8 years to set this new record.

If you watch the video below of his snatch set from about 9:45 you will see his reaction when he realises he has beaten the biathlon record by just one point, it's truly inspiring to watch.  Also notice his composure in the last few seconds of the set, he actually stops for a moment overhead when his grips is failing to check the time and prevent himself from dropping the bell - only a true professional could do this under that sort of time pressure!  And that last snatch rep is nerve racking to watch, very narrowly missing the platform on the backswing.

Denisov is an incredible athlete, there is no doubt about that, but what is really wonderful about this new record is that it has gone to someone who is a genuinely good human being and someone who has earned it through sheer hard work.  While much of the kettlebell sport world is embroiled in stupid politics and in-fighting, Denisov just goes about his business training, improving AND giving away much of his time to create more champions (he coaches many of his athletes for free and works like a dog).

To give you more insight into the type of guy he is, I was lucky enough to find out about the new record in a personal email.  He sent me through my training for the week (probably around 5am Chelyabinsk time, the morning after he set the record) and before saying anything about it he asked me how I feel - now that is a professional and considerate coach!

Denisov represents everything that is good about kettlebell sport and I hope his new record is an inspiration to all kettlebell lifters out there.  Good job!!!!