--- Quote from: "Mike Wittmer" ---For example, when my son was at the OTC they (Stone, et al) were doing some "research" which involved these guys pulling on a fixed bar, like an isometric. Stone told him that he was weak and that Doreen Heldt has more "power" than he. Now, at the time Jeff was able to front squat 220 and we all know how that compares to what others do. I wonder what he was trying to prove. --- End quote ---
Michael Hartman:
I wasn't there for the comment in question, but I did help develop the test being used (or something very similar).
The athletes performed a maximal isometric pull at a position determined through video analysis of an actual lift (knee angle, hip angle) on a force plate. Following the isometric pull the athlete would perform a dynamic pull, basically a mid-thigh shrug, with 30% of the max value obtained, and one at a constant weight (~120 kg) using the force plate and linear transducers to measure bar velocity. The tests were used to measure isometric peak force and isometric RFD; dynamic peak force, RFD, and peak power.
There have been quite a few studies published, or in press, giving more detail of all the methods.
Mike Wittmer:
Rhys, Jeff and I are both aware of the meaning of power and isometrics. I put the word "power" in quotes because that is exactly what Stone said. Could he have been teasing? Maybe, but he was not taken that way. My guess is that he thought he was talking to a teenage kid who, although he had reached a fairly high level and had essentially been raised weightlifting, wouldn't know the difference in the terms. My son was insulted.
I don't know what is in the USOC budget for research, but has anything come out of there that has put even five kilos on any weightlifter's total? Please tell me so. What research has been put out there that did or can help US weightlifting?
How about this? Take whatever is in the research budget and give it to someone like Glenn Pendlay. I bet in five years he has 3/4 of the junior world team coming from his program. Maybe three years.
Steve Gough:
I do not want to create a firestorm here. I just want to speak the truth as I know it. I CANNOT claim that I have benefitted from any of Dr. Stone's research. Not an attack, just a fact.
I think I would be more inclined to listen to Dr. Stone if he actually designed a concept that works, that could be realized in a program that attacks our results and plants us on high atop the medal and team standings. He has had plenty of time in which to do this and I am still waiting. For a short period of time several years ago I watched him work with two lifters from Great Britain (Scotland?)... gentlemen both, as is Mike Stone. I was not or am not impressed with what they did or what he preached. It may have looked correct on paper, but paper is not where it is at. The athletes over the years that have benefitted from their association with me wasn't because of x's and o's. Learning from one's enemies (in our case competitors) give us a more egual-footing, and bringing out the real fighting spirit in an individual is where our contribution as coaches really lies.
I'll say this again, we need to hold everyone's feet to the fire. No one should have a free ride or escape accoutability. I am flattered that Mike Wittmer compliments me so. In reality it is his sincerity to see his son achieve, and his own willingness to keep his mind open that allows his son Jeff the chance to succeed.
Steve
mikeburgener:
i have to agree with steve and his comments. if it ain't working---change it!!!