At just 7 years old, I was ready for my first ever weightlifting competition, or so I thought. After many test days in the gym, I was finally on my...
A system that built champions
If you enjoyed reading the start of my story, here’s part of the story of a system that built champions 🥇
My hometown was famous for three things: olive oil, turkeys, and weightlifters. Nearly half of Albania’s international weightlifting medals came from there, thanks to one legendary coach, Uncle Ali (Ali Lundraxhiu), who trained many champions.
His system was team, based: 40+ lifters split into two groups, each with a captain responsible for attendance, discipline, and motivation. Training was competitive but fun, with recovery days (swimming, games) and test days where teams earned points for personal bests before celebrating together.
For beginners, Uncle Ali used a broomstick to teach movements, encouraging observation and imitation before gradually adding weight. Discipline was strict arrive on time, respect the process, or sit out.
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