OTC Coach Zygmunt Smalcerz Sees Medals in USA Weightlifting’s Future

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Within less than a month of his arrival as the new Resident Team Coach at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Zygmunt Smalcerz has already settled in to his new hometown and has bright visions of the future of Olympic weightlifting in the United States. 

“There’s big potential here.  I have been watching American weightlifting over the past few years and I remember plenty of fantastic athletes from the U.S. Team - Kendrick [Farris] and other great athletes,” Smalcerz said.  “I don’t like to say names just now and I have only met part of the weightlifters in the USA, but I have met very talented athletes who, if they get good methods, I am certain will be able to achieve Olympic medals.” 

A two-time Olympic Coach for his native Poland, Smalcerz arrived at the OTC on July 1 to train a team of athletes that includes 2010 World Team members Pat Judge (+105kg), Natalie Burgener (63kg), Casey Burgener (105kg) and Rachel Crass (75kg).

“When Zygmunt arrived it’s not like he gave us suddenly new information, but he presented a lot of things we already knew in a different way.  He’s clearly really mastered weightlifting and it’s kind of like a physics student getting the chance to learn from somebody like Einstein or Newton,” said three-time National Champion Casey Burgener.  “He’s taken us in a different direction in terms of how hard we’re working.  We’re putting in more effort than ever before, but in a way that he’s challenged us to want to do more.”

In addition to having led Polish team members to two Olympic medals, Smalcerz had a storied career as an athlete in which he won Olympic gold in 1972 and earned three World titles.  Smalcerz’s experience as both an athlete and a coach will be beneficial to his new team of Americans.  

“There are two things I’ve learned as an athlete and as a trainer that are most important.  The first is that athletes need very close contact.  This is the basis of working with athletes,” said Smalcerz regarding his coaching philosophy.  “And second, you must remember that each athlete is an individual personality and must be treated as such.  What works for one athlete does not work for every athlete because they are all different.”

In addition to coaching the resident team, Smalcerz worked with a group of seven 16 and 17-year-old athletes at an OTC training camp last week.  The athletes, including National Junior and School Age Champions, participated in three daily sessions with Smalcerz.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have Zygmunt in USA Weightlifting.  His knowledge, experience and his ability are incredibly impressive and seeing him work with the residents and the school age camp was just inspiring,” said USA Weightlifting Director of High Performance Mike Gattone.  “He’s thoughtful, innovative and really cares about trying to get the most out of every one of the athletes.   It’s really going to be exciting to watch the progress of those athletes at the OTC and other athletes Zygmunt comes in contact with on a regular basis.”

Smalcerz, who visited the OTC in 1996 when he was a speaker at an Olympic Solidarity coaching course, has adjusted well to life in Colorado Springs during the past three weeks.

“This is a beautiful place to be.  My close friend Janusz Peciak is the modern pentathlon trainer here and he’s told me it’s almost 300 sunny days here and I like the sun very very much,” Smalcerz laughed when asked about his first impression of Colorado Springs and the OTC.  “It’s a fantastic facility, great medical center.  Fantastic everything really.  You have very modern facilities and they take care of every part of being an Olympic athlete.  It’s really a fantastic place.”

An inductee into the International Weightlifting Hall of Fame in 2002, Smalcerz looks forward to working with coaches throughout the United States

“For many years I was a lecturer with the International Weightlifting Federation for the Olympic Solidarity courses and I have knowledge that I hope will be helpful,” said Smalcerz who worked with both junior and senior national teams in Poland.  “I would like to work with all coaches and share what I have learned.”

Smalcerz may be thousands of miles away from Poland, but he has received a warm welcome since his arrival in the United States.

“Here I have met very friendly people – even in the cafeteria.  Everywhere really.  It’s been very fantastic,” he said.  “I have gotten nice messages from lifters in the USA and in America I have plenty of good friends who send me messages.  They call me.  They encourage me to do good work.”

Tags: Casey Burgener, Casey Burgener, Natalie Woolfolk, Natalie Burgener, Natalie Woolfolk, Patrick Judge, Rachel Crass, Zygmunt Smalcerz