USAWA

The 38^th USAWA National Championship is upon us.  Four lifts will be contested including:

• Deadlift – No Thumbs, Overhand Grip – 2^nd time at Nationals (last 2019)
• Clean and Press – Heels Together – 15^th time at Nationals (last 2023)
• Lateral Raise – Lying – 1^st time at Nationals
• Jefferson Lift – 6^th time at Nationals (last 2017)

The format follows the 2025 successful model of four lifts in one day which drew 28 lifters from around the country.

This will be the sixth Nationals in Columbia, MO with previous promotions in 1995, 1997, 2001, 2023 and 2024.  The 1995 meet was a two-day event with nine lifts.  The only other city to host Nationals six times is Lebanon, PA.  Ambridge, PA is a distant third hosting nationals three times.

Judging should be straightforward aside from the Lateral Raise, Lying.  The Rulebook specifies maximum diameter of dumbbell plates at 11 inches, arms to remain straight, elbows locked and arms must maintain 90-degree angle to the body.  This is a lot to watch even with a 3-official system.

The start list has not been published, but hopefully there will be a good turnout of men, women, junior, senior and masters athletes from different clubs.

The 2025 Champions are Larry Traub (open), Beth Skwarecki (open), Isaac Bankens (junior), and Nisha Gupta (junior).