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2026 IAWA World Championship




I was very fortunate to attend the 2026 IAWA World Championship.  Since 1988, IAWA has brought together all-round lifters from around the world for camaraderie and competition.  This year (16) athletes took the platform nearly entirely from Massachuseetts and Pennsylvania.  Paul, Emily and Mark made it from the UK.  Unfortunately Josh Davidson's flight was canceled.  Chad and I came from west of the Mississippi.  Abe was injured and Tony was ill.  

Even among the lifters, there were challenges.  Barry Pensyl could not attend Day 2 and I missed Day 1 to attend a celebration of life.
  1. Emily Haydock - 13
  2. Natalie Collins - 19
  3. Jessica Hopps
  4. Cara Collins
  5. Barry Pensyl - Day 1 only
  6. Wade Marchand
  7. Barry Bryan - character, has visited Colorado frequently
  8. Denny Habecker
  9. Carl Puzin - wrestler, old friends with Frank
  10. Frank Ciavattone
  11. Anthony DiFlaminies - 15
  12. Abe Smith - ***did not attend, bad back
  13. Josh Davidson - ***did not attend, flight canceled
  14. Dan Jones
  15. Sanjiv Gupta - Day 2 only
  16. Paul Hallam
  17. Chad Ullom
  18. Mark Haydock
  19. Anthony Lupo - ***did not attend, sick
Announcer - Steve Gardner
Referee - Al Myers
Loader - Joe Collins

I had a great day on the platform

One Arm Deadlift (L) - 85, 95, 100 kg (220 pounds) - Joe Garcia record at 275 pounds
Stiff Arm Pullover - 12.5, 15, 20 kg (44 pounds) - Vandermark record at 66 pounds
Vertical Bar Deadlift 2 Bars 1 inch - 140 kg (308 pounds) - OPEN (Gary Ell has world record at 250kg)

These were all personal bests and the Vertical Bar Deadlift established a USAWA record.
  1. Mark Haydock
  2. Barry Bryan
  3. Emily Haydock
  4. Paul Hallam
  5. Denny Habecker
Not sure about 4th and 5th, but otherwise, those are your podium spots.

It was really nice to finally meet Al Myers and share stories in Denny's dining room.  Of course, Steve, Mark and Paul are amazing.  First time meeting Barry Bryan.  Missed meeting Barry Pensyl.  Carl Puzin was fun to chat with and has a lot of history with the organization.  

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