08/04/2023
I hope this post finds you with much excitement as we are approaching summer and the 2023 South Dakota Weightlifting State Championships.
I certainly wanted to recommunicate information about this meet and how it aligns with the history of meets hosted in South Dakota, as Larry Robinson is a straight legend around the sport's history in our great state.
Larry contacted me shortly after my initial email, sharing more information about this history. Larry’s records show that weightlifting in our state was very popular in the ’60-’70s. During these meets during this era, weightlifting athletes posted a total with the press, sn**ch, and clean & jerk (three events versus the two events that make up our current weightlifting competitions).
I look forward to receiving more information from Larry about how many South Dakota State Championships have been hosted. Still, the last time a State Championship was hosted was on February 11, 1995. Larry has indicated that there is also an SD Olympic Weightlifting Hall of Fame in which he was inducted.
I look forward to learning more from Larry to ensure our history within the sport is celebrated in our state, as well as Larry’s work spending many years record keeping and hosting meets.
With that said, although this meet isn’t inaugural, it’s the start of bringing consistent local weightlifting meets to South Dakota.
All levels are welcome to participate and volunteer for this special event!