2026 World Council Meeting

By Steve Gardner

Taken from Facebook IAWA.UK post

World Council Meeting 2026 5pm Saturday 3rd October

at Lebanon PA – USA

Present: Steve Gardner, Denny Habecker, Barry Bryan, Paul Hallam, Mark Haydock, Emily Haydock, Wade Marchand, Frank Ciavattone, Jess Hopps, Carl Puzin, Al Myers, Chad Ullom, Dan Jones, Cara Collins, Natalie Collins, Anthony Deflimines

Address to the Meeting: Paul Barette not being present, Steve Gardner the IAWA International Secretary Chaired the meeting

Reports from international Reps: (all reports were positive and reflecting new growth and sustainability within each member nation)

Australia- John Mahon
USA – Sanjiv Gupta
UK – Steve Gardner

Presidents Report – Paul Barrette: Paul sent a full report to the meeting where he congratulated all those who have been involved in IAWA in each country and organisation in the previous 12 months. The international President was pleased to see so much activity in the IAWA world as we head into a busy part of the year with the World Championships, the Gold Cup and the Old Time Strongman World Championships to come. Paul is working hard to make the World records even more readily accessible, and to make the rule book more interactive, it’s a lot of work and it takes a long time but when it is all done it will be an amazing thing for our organisation. Paul was thanked for his work by those present!

Technical Committee:

There was only one matter to be addressed and voted on: the acceptance/ or otherwise of the change in lifters platform dress to accommodate skin tight form fitting leggings and long sleeve shirts. Which must consist of non supportive material that stays close to the skin, and be of one plain colour with no designs or advertising. This is important as nothing can obstruct or confuse the officials view of joints and positions during a lift! The event Technical Officer on the day of a meet, will decide if garments to be worn are acceptable!

The proposal had been put forward a year previously, had been through the international Technical Committee and was found unanimously in favour.

After discussion explaining the back ground and reasoning for the proposal, and mentioning the fact the USAWA had already accepted this. It would mean we were all using the same dress code.

The vote by those assembled was unanimous in favour, and will be adopted forthwith

A report on the success of the Andy Goddard World Postal forwarded by Paul Barette, was read out. It had been a great success with lots of team and individual participation from Australia, USA, UK, and Canada

A report from the promoter of the 2026 Gold Cup – Paul Barette, was read out

A report from John Mahon with a proposal of the lifts for the 2027 World Championships in Perth Australia was read out.

Day One: Bench Press Feet in the Air – Clean and Press – o/h 2 inch Vertical Bar – Zercher

Day Two: Continental Clean – o/h Dumbbell Swing – Straddle Deadlift

After discussion it was voted unanimously to adopt the proposed lifts.

The 2027 and 2028 Internationals are already set:

2027 Worlds- Perth Australia
2027 Gold Cup – Colorado USA
2028 Worlds -Eastbourne, England
2028 Gold Cup – Derby, England

A bid for the 2029 Worlds was received from Jess Hopps, to be in Mass. USA. First weekend in October – this was voted in and accepted ; Unanimously!

The next discussion showed that USA were due to have the double in 2029, (Worlds and Gold Cup) then a suggestion was raised that Jess might hold that event also, on the Saturday, one week after the Worlds, enabling travellers to attend both International events in one trip.

This has happened before many years ago and it worked well, and would of course be helpful to those intending to travel (especially cost wise)

This would not become the norm of course, but as a one off in the circumstances it makes good sense.

This became a proposal and was unanimously accepted that Jess Hopps holds both events a week apart.

A comment from the floor to be taken on board and appraised, came from Al Myers. Al asked if the IAWA (UK) Ruke Book can be renamed: The IAWA rule book. This would remove some confusion when it is used Internationally and more importantly it was agreed it could be a first step to us having a Unified Rule Book! All agreed this should be looked at as it’s a good idea.

There was no voting or election of officers due: All in post being happy to continue:

There being no other business the meeting was closed at 5pm

The next meeting will follow the lifting on day one of the World Championships – 2nd October 2027 in Australia

Editor’s [Steve Gardner’s] Note:

It was an extremely positive meeting and a joy to be a part of, everyone left the meeting feeling excited about the future of our organisation and our beloved sport!

USAWA CLASS OF 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

We’re not done with 2026 USAWA Awards just yet. We have some Hall of Famers to highlight for the Class of 2026. It is a pleasure to see Abe Smith join his teammate David DeForest in the 2026 USAWA HOF Class. Abe certainly makes a competitive and athletic case.  He has over 300 individual records, which is 12th place overall in the Century Club. He is one of the most prolific record holders in Clark’s Gym history. In spite of Abe’s young age, he has also served the USAWA on the executive board and as a referee. Abe has competed in the USAWA Nationals, IAWA World Championships, and the many events the USAWA sanctions. Every time he competes, he is a top five finisher. Abe has also been voted by his peers to be the USAWA Athlete of the Year for three years running (2022 – 2024).

Abe is part of the “old guard” from Clark’s Gym that has made many of us who joined the gym in the last five years feel welcome. In spite of his accomplishments and the incredibly large amount of weight he lifts, he is a very humble person. He will referee and load for his fellow lifters without being asked. If he’s asked to do these tasks at meets, he does so cheerfully. As a teacher, like the others on the “old guard” at Clark’s, he does not come up to a lifter and loudly offer advice. Rather, if he sees a lifter doing something that might endanger the lifter or if a lifter asks for his advice, he will explain technique patiently. While Abe lives in the Kansas City area, but when he’s in Columbia he is very welcome presence in our gym and brings a positive and effervescent personality. We always look forward to him coming to town and he is well-liked by all of us. He always cheers on his teammates and acknowledges others accomplishments before his own!

In his life outside the gym, he is a devoted family man to his own family in the Kansas City area and he regularly visits his family here in Boone County, MO area. He is also a person who has shown a tremendous amount of courage and tenacity in the weight room and in life! The 2026 USAWA HOF class welcomes Abe Smith as second of four members inducted this year!

Lifter of the Month, September 2026, Barry Bryan

September featured the Two-Fisted Challenge and included the reporting of the IAWA World Postal Results. 

Barry Bryan earned Lifter of the Month as the second highest points USAWA athlete in the IAWA World Postal with a 42.5KG Snatch, From Hang, 80KG Pullover & Push, 55KG Clean & Press, Behind Neck and a 151KG Ciavattone Deadlift.

This is the fourth time Barry has been recognized as Lifter of the Month.  His previous lifting was recognized in September 2012, October 2013, and July 2015.  He currently holds 114 records with the earliest dating back to 1990 with a massive 353-pound Jerk, From Rack (while in the 85KG weight class).

Barry has competed in 4 National Championships (1st in 1990, 4th in 1991, 10th in 2010 and 5th in 2015), 2 World Championships (4TH in 1990 and 5th in 1991) and has over 1000 points towards the Hall of Fame.

Congratulations Barry!

Do you know a USAWA member who should be recognized as lifter of the month? Send nominations to the acting Secretary at usawasec@gmail.com

World Old Time Strongman Postal Championship

Saturday December 5th – Sunday December 6th – World Old Time Strongman Postal Championships
Lifts should be completed in one day, but maybe performed Saturday or Sunday.

Promoters: Steve Gardner & Josh Davidson Email: stevegardneruk@gmail.com Tel: 07960960509

Hosted by Steve Gardner (UK Promoter) – Tel: 07960960509 Email: stevegardneruk@gmail.com

Venues: Derby, UK; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Perth, Australia; Abilene, KS, USA, Boston, USA; Denver, USA; Lebanon, PA, USA

Lifts: Goerner Stroll (H8), The Cyr Press (H5), The Kennedy Lift (H11)

2026 Gold Cup Eastbourne, UK

Here you will find all information for the 2026 IAWA Gold Cup being held at MetamorFIT Gym on Saturday 7th November 2026, including the entry form and banquet details.

The closing date is Saturday 10th October (and is final).
The entry fee is £40
The Banquet and awards presentation will be held at the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club.
The Banquet cost is £40 (3 Course Meal, menu choices required in advance).
The entry form for the 2026 is an encrypted online form with a link at the end for payment via a banking app/ online banking. Alternative payment options (including PayPal) are available on request.

Click here for the encrypted online entry form by Jot Form

Pdf Entry form (if not using the online form)

Click here for the additional information sheet.

Apologies for the late notification. I knew this event was coming up, but did not realize it was not posted on the USAWA website. Good luck to the All-Round lifters participating in the Gold Cup.

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