This Sunday I introduce you to Irvine Charleston. He also competed at the IUKL World Championships in Latvia and posted a video about his travel and experience online, which I will link to.

Alex: Hi Irvin, please introduce yourself to the people. 

Charleston: My name is Irvin Charleston , 42 years old and I am a personal trainer, martial art instructor.

 Alex: I saw your performance at the World Championship in Daugavpils. You competed in Biathlon and Long Cycle, right? How did the competition go for you?

Charleston: Thanks for watching. I did compete in both events. All the lifts went well because I hit three personal best in all three and won a silver medal. However, I still feel that I could have done better. I guess I am greedy. ?

 Alex: Wow, three personal bests, congratulations! You sound very ambitious. Would you like to start as a professional at some point?

Charleston: Yes, three personal best and a few no counts on jerk set. ? �I am ambitious and Yes it is my goal to become a professional. Since my coach didn’t mention anything about going professional. So I don’t think about it really.

 Alex: Ah, so you have a coach. How many times a week does he/she make you sweat?

Charleston:  ? Oh man six times a week!

 Alex: That sounds awful. Are you just doing kettlebell training or other sports as well?

Charleston: Well I woudnt call it that. Maybe “Painful fun”. Well I play basketball and do Yoga at least twice a week and some light martial arts training when I can.

 Alex: I assume you are already preparing for the next competition? Which will it be?

Charleston: There is possibility of one in december. But I still train wether there is a comp. or not.

 

Alex: I understand. Finally, I would like to ask you two questions, that I would like to address to each athlete. 1. What advice would you give to a kettlebell beginner? 

Charleston: Its a sport that requires a lot of patience. Also progress comes in many ways. Its not just having more reps and pr that shows you getting better. But if anything having an experience coach helps also.

 Alex: 2. How can Kettlebell competitions be made more interesting to spectators?

Charleston:       Well I think in Kb sport to make competitions more interesting is hiring good announcers. I think that helps a-lot. We kettlebell athletes should let go of the concept that the event is boring to watch. I disagree. People watch golf, nascar, and many more sports. That are not as exciting but yet they draw a crowd. Kettlebell sport needs to sold and marketed to non kettlebell people to get a crowd. Not everyone who watches soccer plays soccer.

 Alex: That’s a very interesting point of view. I would like to thank you very much for your time and wish you continued success for your training! I hope we will meet again at an international competition. ?

Charleston: It was a pleasure. Thank you for considering me. Knowing so many athletes out there.

? I hope you liked this second interview too. I find it particularly interesting that Irvin and Todd would recommend a good coach to a beginner. Entirely my opinion.☝️ Please write your feedback in the comments and share the article if you liked it.

Greetings Alex aka Kettlebell Junkie ?‍♂️

▶️ https://youtu.be/ejmsMzK4Lxk
Irvins video of his experience of the kettlebell WC
? https://www.wayoffitness.net
Irvins website for more info about him and his background