Male Powerlifter of the Year

I am surprised Andrey Belaev didn't get mention. That just goes to show you how biased we are toward the US, mult-ply orgs. His single-ply total was the highest ever, and only 11 lbs behind Frankl's all-time record (which means it is far more impressive). Plus an 837 deadlift at 198 (2 hr weigh-in). It's easily the most impressive total put up this year. The guy also set the IPF 90kg total record back in May. His '06 performances should overshadow almost all the other nominees.

You're right that these polls are biased toward U.S. lifters and those that compete in U.S. federations. I'll think hard about giving it a more international flavor next year. It was probably a mistake to slight lifters like Belyaev. Any other feedback on this?

I know this isnt final yet but how can andy bolton be in the lead rite now for best powerlifter of the year. He hasnt won anything this year. Yes he broke the deadlift record twice. and yes thats gona be the best moment of the year, but kutcher has domenated. Nobody is even close to him

I think it primarily speaks to the impressiveness of the deadlift. His totals have been very good but he was beaten at the WPO Finals and WPO Semi-Finals.

Not only is Belaev (826+567+837=2232 @ 198, under IPF rules!)overlooked, but so are many lifters from overseas. Even Yarymbash, who is clearly the best 275er in the WPO, has only half the votes that Chuck V has...how dumb is that? He also set IPF world records this year, Chuck has never competed in the variety of competition(rules-wise) that Yarmybash has. The kid doesn't even use multi-ply gear and it took him a couple of months to transition from the IPF.

MR. Hooper is the BEST:)

Ok, Jon, what is going on with this voting? I really like your site, and I was under the impression that most of the visitors had a clue about powerlifting. How are Mark Bartley and Chuck Vogepohl above Yarmybash? Andy Bolton as "powerlifter" of the year? He didn't even win a meet, yet Jeff Lewis gets only 8 votes when he posted the second best total of "all-time." Granted, Siders is better than him and set an IPF record, but he doesn't get much love either.
Then guys like Belaev, Bodganov, and Fedorenko don't get anything, yet they could beat ANYONE on this list in their respective weight classes. I am really disappointed with the actual knowledgeability of many of the voters.

It seems like Bolton's record pulls put him over the top and will likely give him the votes for Male Powerlifter of the Year. In addition, Bolton finished a close second to Lewis at the WPO Finals, and in doing so, posted the third best total of all time. That's a pretty nice body of work.

Yarymbash is something of a newcomer on the U.S. powerlifting radar, outside of IPF competition. That probably plays a role in his lack of votes. If he continues to tear it up in the WPC/WPO as he's done in his last two events, expect next year to be different. Also, Vogelpohl and Bartley are fan favorites.

I think the knowledge of the voters is clearly on display in the recognition of lighter lifters Kutcher and Hooper, who are running second and third to Bolton.

Not including some of the great international lifters was my decision. I have to consider whether to include them next year. One thing to keep in mind is that Powerlifting Watch serves an English speaking audience which is primarily from the U.S and Canada.

Thanks for the response, Jon. I understand the points you expressing. I guess I'm disappointed in the results, as well as the knowledgeability of some of the voters. I do like the year end awards poll though...I think it's very cool. I realize the site caters to the U.S. and Canada, I am from Illinois. I just happen to look at international results and try to offer an unbiased opinion. Unfortunately, I am biased toward single-ply or raw lifting. A guy who can squat and deadlift 800+lbs at 198, in single-ply, can beat any of the US lifters in the same class. The fact is, the eastern europeans are the strongest lifters out there (as a whole). Other than Hooper (possibly), there's no one from the US in any weight class south of SHW who is the strongest lifter in his class. People can have their favorites, but it doesn't reflect who the best actually is/are.

If I were to expand next year's polls to include more international lifters do you think I could do an adequate job by just focusing on the results at World level events?

For the most part. Generally the EPF will have links to results from Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, (etc.) nationals as well. The europeans and asians usually put up great numbers at their nationals as well as world-level events. I honestly think that's even more impressive. You won't see results of "backyard" meets, with records set, like you do here in the US.
I just hate that the powerlifting fan base in the US turns a blind eye to obviously stronger lifters. Even if you did include these lifters, US voters would probably still vote for their "favorite" multi-ply lifters.

One of my concerns is trying to interpret National meet results in other languages. That could prove to be a bear.