By Justin Flynn
If you have never heard of kettlebell as a sport, then you are probably not alone.
Competitive kettlebell lifting has a long history in Russia and Eastern Europe, but developed as an organised, standard sport under the name kettlebell lifting during the 1960s.
It has a small, but passionate following in Geelong.
Girevoy (kettlebell) sport is a unique cyclical power endurance sport. It combines some technical elements of Olympic weight lifting with aerobic qualities seen in whole body endurance sports such as rowing and cross country skiing.
Established in 2018 by former Australian representative and coach Roger Ruzzier at Be Strong Fitness Lara (now known as Lara Health and Fitness Centre), the club was originally known as Geelong Girevoy Sports Club. The club had one member and now has seven with ages ranging from 30 to 60.
Geelong Kettlebell Sport Association treasurer Michael Belleville said the club would welcome new members who would like to learn a “new strength/power/endurance sporting club within the Geelong community”.
“Our club has also been fortunate to have the ongoing support of Dave Tran-Cong and his team at Lara Health and Fitness Centre since inception,” he said.
“We would welcome anyone to contribute to vibrant and viable communities with an emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing and to provide a sporting club which encourages the IDEA – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness.
“From within our current membership base our athletes have been competing at a number of competitions within Victoria and interstate in a variety of different events under the expert guidance of two very experienced coaches and athletes themselves.”
The club meets at Lara Health and Fitness Centre from 7.30am on Saturdays. More information on social media or geelongkettlebellsport.org.au
