The 4 Nations
What is the 4 Nations?
The 4 Nations is when Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales come together to battle out on the Powerlifting Platform. It is held in August on the 1st of the month which so happens to be my birthday (even more reason for me to go and come away with a memorable birthday present).
To me the 4 Nations is Powerlifting's answer to the 6 Nations (minus the French and Italian teams). It would be nice in the future if there was a Powerlifting 6 Nations, it would be a great event no doubt. This event brings a squad from each nation to not lift as individuals but to lift as a team, as a nation for your countries colours, heritage and beliefs.
2014 saw England win the event with Scotland coming second, Ireland in third and Wales fourth. The event is not dominated by weight class but by coefficient score i.e. whatever you lift what is that in relation to your power to weight ratio e.g. 6 times your bodyweight, 7,8 or more. The higher the score the better obviously. The 4 Nations was the first time for the IDFPA to send a team of lifters to compete as a team not as individuals (which most internationals you do compete for yourself).
I was fortunate enough to be part of last years team and it was a very humbling experience to be lifting alongside so many top class lifters. It was a strange feeling listening to all the national anthems and feeling a sense of pride for being part of my country. Myself having to retire at a young age playing rugby due a shoulder injury, dashed my dreams of playing for my country. As a schoolboy I have always wanted to play rugby for Ulster and for Ireland.
This experience easily made up for this. In one sense being injured was the best thing that has happened to me. I will however never forget the feeling of losing. It was a sour taste for which I never want to taste again.
I now compete on a regular basis with many friends in a sport with an awesome community. I coach a club with people whom are as passionate as me. My hobby for the sport has branched out into writing articles for everyone to help their powerlifting journey.
My own personal target was to make this team again (which I have done). I am relishing this opportunity again to compete against the other home nations. I see the 4 Nations as the premier event for all the home nation athletes. Competing as a team in an individual sport is something special, brings us closer together as a nation.
Ireland will win the 2015 4 Nations just as the Ireland's men and women rugby teams have won this year, beating England at the final hurdle.
Only difference is we don't need a French team to help us out.
Best of luck to all the nations in their preparation and training
I will see you in Glasgow on August 1st.
Original article linked below of my 4 Nations experience last year
http://courtsideteesside.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/teesside-university-student-represents-ireland-in-powerlifting-competition/
Andrew Richardson, Founder of Strength is Never a Weakness Blog
I have a BSc (Hons) in Applied Sport Science and a Merit in my MSc in Sport and Exercise Science and I passed my PGCE at Teesside University.
Now I will be commencing my PhD into "Investigating Sedentary Lifestyles of the Tees Valley" this October 2019.
I am employed by Teesside University Sport and WellBeing Department as a PT/Fitness Instructor.
My long term goal is to become a Sport Science and/or Sport and Exercise Lecturer. I am also keen to contribute to academia via continued research in a quest for new knowledge.
My most recent publications:
My passion is for Sport Science which has led to additional interests incorporating Sports Psychology, Body Dysmorphia, AAS, Doping and Strength and Conditioning.
Within these respective fields, I have a passion for Strength Training, Fitness Testing, Periodisation and Tapering.
I write for numerous websites across the UK and Ireland including my own blog Strength is Never a Weakness.
I had my own business for providing training plans for teams and athletes.
I was one of the Irish National Coaches for Powerlifting, and have attained two 3rd places at the first World University Championships,
in Belarus in July 2016.Feel free to email me or call me as I am always looking for the next challenge.
Contact details below;
Facebook: Andrew Richardson (search for)
Facebook Page: @StrengthisNeveraWeakness
Twitter: @arichie17
Instagram: @arichiepowerlifting
Snapchat: @andypowerlifter
Email: a.s.richardson@tees.ac.uk
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-richardson-b0039278
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew_Richardson7
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