This past weekend, eight athletes from the United States traveled to Kazan to compete in the 6th IWF Grand Prix and Russian Federation President’s Cup. The limited weight class event featured male athletes in the 94, 105 and +105kg weight classes and females in the 75 and +75kg weight classes.
The United States sent Angelo Bianco III (94kg), Rob Blackwell (94kg), Wesley Kitts (105kg), Ethan Harak (105kg), Donovan Ford (+105kg), Jason Starks (+105kg), Jessica Phillips (75kg) and Rebecca Gerdon (75kg).
Several United States’ athletes walked away with medals from the event. Angelo Bianco III took home a bronze in the Clean & Jerk and Total. Wesley Kitts and Jessica Phillips each earned three bronze medals. Kitts and Phillips are both relatively new to the sport of weightlifting as they got into the sport because of CrossFit. Kitts competed in the NPGL on the New York Rhinos. Jessica Phillips also competed in the NPGL with the Phoenix Rise and she is currently competing in the 2016 CrossFit Open. Phillips is competing in the team division with CrossFit Bound, led by her Husband, Brandon Phillips.
On the international side of the competition, Russia was well represented with several athletes reaching the podium. Adam Maligov and Victor Getts took first and second place in the 94kg weight class. Another Russian, Chingiz Mogushkov failed to live up to expectations as he finished in fourth place in the +105kg weight class. However, Mogushkov did weigh in at an astonishing 195.8kg (431-pounds).
On the women’s side, Johanie Filiatreault from Canada took first place in the 75kg and Hripsime Khurshudyan took first in the +75kg weight class.
For complete results of the event, click here.
