Between August 12–18, 2019, we hosted Training Camp No. 1 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, the first edition of our training camp series and the foundation for everything that followed. Held at The Box Barbell Club, this historic week brought together athletes from Germany, Norway, and Romania for focused Olympic weightlifting training and technical development.
This camp marked the beginning of a project that has grown every year since. At that time, we didn’t yet know how big the training camp series would become. What we did know was that we wanted to create a place where athletes from different countries could come together, learn, train hard, and experience Romanian weightlifting culture. Training Camp No. 1 became the foundation for everything we do today.
For this first edition, we were honored to welcome three motivated athletes:
Florian Wagner – Germany
Nikolaj Bache Rud – Norway
Robert Dobai – Romania
Even though it was a small group, the atmosphere was powerful. Each athlete brought enthusiasm, discipline, and a genuine desire to learn. Their presence made this first training camp possible and helped shape the format and structure of all future camps.
During this foundational week, the athletes took part in multiple technical sessions focused on improving both the snatch and clean & jerk. The structure of this edition would later inspire the training format used in all following camps.
The program included:
Detailed breakdowns of bar path and timing
Pulling mechanics for both lifts
Footwork and receiving positions
Overhead stability and shoulder control
Squats, pulls, and accessory movements
Warm-up structure and mobility routines
Because the group was small, each athlete received significant individual feedback. We analyzed lifts, corrected errors, and practiced improvements repeatedly throughout the week. This close interaction helped the athletes progress quickly and built a strong learning environment.
Training at The Box Barbell Club brought its own special energy. This was the gym where I coached daily, where I trained myself, and where many Romanian athletes developed their technique. Hosting the first training camp here felt natural and symbolic — the project began in a gym filled with memories, hard work, and passion.
“Training Camp No. 1 will always remain special to me. It was the first time I hosted athletes from other countries in my own gym in Cluj-Napoca. Their attitude, dedication, and trust gave life to a project that continues to grow today. Without them, the camps would never have started.”
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Read the story of Training Camp No. 2
Training Camp No. 1 was more than just a week of lifting — it was the beginning of something meaningful. With only three athletes, the focus was extremely personal, technical, and educational. The entire experience showed that lifters were willing to travel, learn, and grow together.
This first edition also proved that an international training camp in Romania could work, even with a small group. The success of this event gave us the confidence to continue, expand, and eventually host camps with athletes arriving from all over the world.
Today, as training camps have become a regular part of our yearly schedule, we always look back at this first one with appreciation. It represents the foundation, the starting point, and the moment that turned an idea into a long-term project.
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Looking back, Training Camp No. 1 was built on passion and simplicity. No pressure, no expectations — just athletes, a barbell, and a shared desire to improve. The energy from this first edition carried forward into every training camp that followed.
Florian, Nikolaj, and Robert helped prove that the concept works. Their effort and enthusiasm made this week unforgettable and laid the foundation for all future growth. This is why this event remains one of the most special chapters in our camp history.
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