The growing UAE weightlifting community was thrilled to hear about the visit to Dubai of one of the best weightlifters in the world, Dmitry Klokov.
The Russian won the silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in China and is also a World Champion in the 105kg category.
His recent visit to Dubai was part of a world tour, where he shared the Russian system in training and technique at various seminars, which took place over two weekends at Dunes CrossFit, Reebok CrossFit LifeSpark and Cross-Fit Utmost.
With 20 years of weightlifting experience under his belt, Klokov’s knowledge is invaluable to weightlifters in the UAE, especially as there has been a CrossFit boom.
Sport360° caught up with him at one of the seminars, to talk about the world of weightlifting.
You are a world champion and have many successes under your belt – you make lifting a heavy barbell look so easy and effortless. How did you get into weightlifting?
My father [Vyacheslavovich Klokov] was a weightlifting world champion in 1983. At first, he did not want me to do weightlifting professionally. He wanted me to study at a good university and gain knowledge.
In those years, there was very little money in weightlifting and there was always the possibility of getting injured. Now everything has changed. My father has no regrets that I started weightlifting [at the age of 12].
My coach was the same coach who coached my father and the result was very good. It is very important that you have the right information and a good coach.
What goes through your head before you attempt a lift or when you PR?
The result to a PR [personal record] is a lot of hard work and patience. And of course, good luck – I was very lucky in this sport.
Favourite lift?
The clean-and-jerk. My father was a world record holder in the clean-and-jerk and he pretty much knows everything about it; and he taught me everything I know that has helped me very much in this lift.
But in 2006, I hurt my right shoulder badly and lost flexibility. Now that I have become better, I am enjoying the jerk again.
Tell us more about your training programme. Can anyone use it?
Of course there is a certain system that we use, the Russian system, which has been tested for years and suits me the best. It doesn’t mean it may suit all other athletes – each should be looked at individually.
I am coaching a couple of guys online, and I use the Russian system, but I also take into account individual circumstances and [look at] problem areas.
What competitions are you preparing for right now?
In 2014, I totally gave up training as I am doing a world tour [seminars]; but I am still doing functional training. Although when I am seriously preparing, I have more time to work on endurance too.
This method works for me and makes me better – I am likely to start lifting heavier weights starting next year in April.
Given you were injured before the 2012 London Olympics, are you preparing a comeback at the 2016 Rio Olympics? How is your training different?
That injury was my destiny! As for preparation for the Rio Olympics, I believe in my system and nothing will change, and I can only hope for more luck.
What is your diet like? What should a weightlifter eat?
Generally, weightlifters do not have a diet, and it is not a necessity in weightlifting. But for me, my appearance is the result of my diet and genetics.
Moreover, I am also doing shows and have to keep the appearance. I do not tell everyone how and what I do, it’s a little secret! All I will say is this, we are what we eat. If we eat fat, we are fat. If we eat meat, we are meat!
Tell us about your involvement with Cross- Fit. What do you think of it? How do you think it affects the sports of weightlifting?
At first, I just liked a picture of a CrossFit competition on the internet. Then I began to understand what CrossFit is about. I think it is a very good idea. Ordinary people get together, adding a competition-like environment. Now, anyone can compete with himself and others. That is not possible in a normal fitness routine.
What I like about CrossFit is that it is like a family, a very close family. I am pretty sure that CrossFit has made weightlifting popular.
What is the level of weightlifting that you saw in Dubai during your trip?
Except in some countries where there is a school and a real history of weightlifting, all other countries are absolutely the same – all athletes have the same errors and problems, such as jumping high, popping the bar with their hips out, and shrugging.
If there is one piece of advice on technique you would give those who want to improve their lifts, what would it be?
Feel like you are working your legs when you are lifting the bar for all exercises, because the bar is lifted using the legs, not the arms.
In your experience, what is the toughest part about the sport of weightlifting? What makes a successful weightlifter?
Seriously, all of it! I can say the most important thing in sports is the ability to tolerate failures and difficulties. And definitely the knowledge and experience of your coach.
Final words of advice?
The coach is very important, but the most important thing is to understand what you’re doing. Understanding allows you to teach others. You constantly need to think about what you’re doing and why, not just go to the gym to exercise. Why do you do each exercise? Don’t do it just because your coach said you have to, it’s a mistake, you must understand.
