USAWA

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!