Battle of Champions

In January, Lee competed in the North American & New Jersey State Championship meet in Newark, New Jersey.  Despite having a great training cycle, things did not work out the way he wanted and he fell short of several of his goals.  He was disappointed and frustrated - despite finishing first in his division, he knew that he could have done much better and, in fact, had done better in other meets.  His training partner immediately suggested that he enter the Battle of Champions in June at the EUROPA Expo and I encouraged him as well.  Lee dislikes this competition for several reasons - it's in the summer, and two years ago, the heat was so bad in the weeks leading up to the competition that he was completely sapped of energy; the competition is huge, not only the number of competitors but the number of spectators, as it is part of an exposition.  Nevertheless, he succumbed to the pressure and decided to compete - mostly because the venue is home turf; there is a set beginning and end time - no danger of a 10:30pm deadlift; and because he can control his nutrition better (dinner and breakfast at home is always better than on the road).  He had a great training cycle and kept his weight on point, weighing in at 197.8 to compete in the 198 weight class - it doesn't get much better than that.  He stuck to his game plan and squatted 575 lbs (a new personal best), bench pressed 400 lbs, and deadlifted 565 lbs, for a total of 1540 lbs, also a new personal best.  He failed to hit his third squat attempt, so 600 lbs waits for another day; the 600 lb deadlift also remained elusive. I think, however, that the results of this meet were perfect - not good enough for him to rest on his laurels, but good enough for him to be satisfied with his performance.

Waiting for the 4th flight of squats to begin. 

Champions of the long day.

Wrapping the knees for squats. 

Making 575 look easy. 

She gets better every meet - takes her job seriously and is a better listener than me when it comes to being ready.  Never complains.   

400 lbs 

All day.... 

Waiting for awards. 

Another ugly trophy to add to the collection - this one was chosen by the girls because it looks like a Dementor (from HP).

575 lbs - a new competition PR.

He still had a lot in him for bench press and there was quite a bit of discussion amongst us afterwards (not including Lee, of course) about whether he should have gone for a higher number.  The 400 lb bench was part of his overall strategy, so there are no regrets here.

I find Elizabeth's commentary here to be hilarious.