Last week I got the email from Phil Andrews at the USA Weightlifting head office that I have qualified for the University World Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Event Takes place December 5th-8th and will be my first international trip. While I did not compete in the University Nationals this year because of scheduling conflicts, my National Championship Total stood to keep me on the team and ranks me high enough to represent the 69 kg class at University Worlds alongside Andrew Vrabel. I will be joined by a slew of stud lifters from all over the country. Names like Darrel and Darren Barnes, Cortney Bachelor, Samantha Poeth, and fellow Texas Barbell teammate Edward Baker.
This obviously changes my training just a bit as I will be competing a week earlier than I had planned in December and will be replacing the American Open with this competition. It also means that for the first time in my life I’ll get to put on the USA singlet on and represent our country on an international platform. I’ve been surprised as of late at how nervous that makes me and how much extra motivation that puts into my training. There are so many unexpected and unknown pieces to this trip that are already causing me a little bit of anxiety. Luckily some of the more experienced lifters surrounding me have done a good job giving me advice and are already preparing me for the meet.
I say all this to say two things. The email I got confirming my qualification for the team was both unexpected and nerve-racking. The trip is 100% God’s doing and the training and competition will be for His glory. Secondly, the obviously means I will not be at the American Open competing though I am excited to attend for the first time in a long time and just spectate. Last year’s American Open I was on my feet almost the entire competition coaching and helping athletes compete which I believe had some impact on my performance. This year I will have the ability to help coach Texas Barbell and coach my lifters with no repercussions to platform performance.
Now if any of you knows the cheapest way to get to Thailand I would be all ears. The price tag is as intimidating as the amount of hours spent in the air.