From May 11–17, 2025, we hosted Training Camp No. 9 at the beautiful mountain resort of Cheile Grădiștei, Romania. This edition was especially meaningful because it was the only Level 1 training camp of 2025, giving athletes a unique opportunity to learn foundational principles, refine technique, and train under a structured, Olympic-style program.
Athletes from six countries joined this week-long experience, bringing determination, passion, and a strong desire to improve. With the focus on fundamentals and technical precision, every session offered valuable progress for all participants.
We were grateful to welcome a fantastic and diverse group of lifters:
Florian Gelev – Germany
Diogo Rodrigues – Portugal
Ruben Bredenhoff – Netherlands
Alex Boianghu – United States
Hayden Rouille – United Kingdom
Damian Soto Renou – Germany
This group represented a wide range of lifting backgrounds and levels of experience. Their shared dedication created a strong training atmosphere and a productive learning environment throughout the week.
This Level 1 edition focused on essential principles that every lifter must master to progress efficiently in Olympic weightlifting. Throughout the training week, athletes participated in:
Foundational technique sessions for snatch and clean & jerk
Bar path and pulling mechanics
Proper footwork, timing, and receiving positions
Mobility and warm-up structure
Strength work through squats, pulls, and accessory movements
The program emphasized control, consistency, and understanding movement patterns. Many participants reported major improvements in their coordination, balance, and positions under the bar.
Recovery was also an important part of the week. Athletes participated in sauna sessions, stretching routines, and guided cooldowns that helped maintain performance and prevent fatigue.
Outside the training hall, shared meals, discussions, and relaxed evenings created a positive and supportive atmosphere. These moments allowed athletes to bond, exchange lifting experiences, and build friendships that will continue beyond the training camp.
“Training Camp No. 9 was the only Level 1 camp of 2025, and every athlete made the most of this opportunity. Their focus on fundamentals, willingness to learn, and commitment to progress made this edition truly rewarding. I was impressed by how much improvement each lifter achieved in just one week.”
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Read about Training Camp No. 8 for more highlights
Training Camp No. 9 stood out for several reasons. Being the only Level 1 event of 2025, it provided a rare opportunity for newer or returning lifters to truly understand the fundamentals that support long-term development. The structured sessions allowed coaches to focus deeply on foundational positions, movement quality, and building confidence under the bar.
The international diversity of the group also created a rich learning environment. Athletes shared training ideas, cultural approaches, and personal experiences, making each session even more educational.
Throughout the week, the progress was remarkable. Many lifters corrected long-standing technique issues, achieved better stability in receiving positions, or improved their timing in both lifts. These transformations highlighted how powerful a supportive and well-organized training environment can be.
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Beyond the physical training sessions, this week helped athletes reset mentally and reconnect with the core principles of Olympic weightlifting. Many participants shared that the environment at Cheile Grădiștei allowed them to focus deeply without distractions, making learning faster and more enjoyable.
The conversations during meals, the support during training, and the willingness to help one another created a strong sense of community. These connections are often one of the most valuable outcomes of participating in a high-quality program like this.
For several athletes, this week represented a turning point—learning technical details they had never fully understood before or gaining confidence they had lost. These improvements, both technical and mental, are what make this program stand out.
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