While he’s only been competing in weightlifting since 2008, Jon North has already etched his name among the greats in our country. His resume speak for itself: 2012 National Open Championship winner, 2011 National Champion, 2010/2011/2013 Pan American team member, and two-time Arnold Championship winner. North is currently the number one ranked lifter in his 94kg weight class in the USA. 

 

On September 15, 2014, North achieved yet another seemingly impossible feat- while training in Canberra, Australia, he snatched a lifetime PR of 167kg. 

 

Video By The Attitude Nation

Never complacent, North went back to work, raising the bar with higher expectations of his weightlifting ability. A little over a month later (October 27), North crushed a 170kg snatch while training at California Strength. 

 

 

Attitude Nation 

 

While Jon North seemed to dominate the weightlifting realm, he didn’t stop there. In 2011, The Attitude Nation was established as a tribute to North’s ever growing popular attitude, his approach to weightlifting, and what it means to be an athlete. North’s goal for the organization is to spread Attitude Nation mentality to all athletes, while providing a motivating and inspiring place to learn. Through Attitude Nation, Jon North offers seminars, camps, weightlifting certifications, and sponsors different competitions around the country.

 

The American Weightlifting Federation 

 

After reaching the conclusion that he wanted American weightlifting to be raw and solely focused on the performance of the athlete, North decided to start his own federation- The American Weightlifting Federation (AWF). This brand new, non-profit organization was created to inspire more competitive opportunities in the sport of weightlifting in America. Their mission is “to help grow the sport of weightlifting, provide membership and competitions to all skill level of weightlifters, and build a community that encourages free expression on and off the platform” (http://www.americanweightliftingfederation.org/). The AWF follows the International Weightlifting Federation rules and guidelines, and strives to revolutionize weightlifting as a sport. 

 

The very first AWF weightlifting meet will be held January 16-18, 2015, in Las Vegas at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. Hosts include: Attitude Nation, Caffeine & Kilos, Bless the Gym, and Marlboro Crossfit. 

 

Can't get enough weightlifting? If you want to see Leo Hernandez and Mattie Rogers go after American records this weekend at the Soul Open in Miami, check out FloElite.com for LIVE coverage of the event.