Girevoy Sport or GS, is a highly challenging strength endurance feat which combines flexibility, aerobic and anaerobic capacity and technique. As in most sports, refinement and efficiency of movement may take years to acquire.

Originating in post Cold-War era Soviet Union in 1986, GS will not only test your physical capabilities but mental toughness as well.

There are two competitions in traditional Girevoy Sport:

1- The biathlon Jerk, followed by the Snatch. These lifts are similar to the Olympic lifts of the same names.

2- The Long Cycle which combines the momentum of the swing clean with the power of the Jerk.

Each competitor has 10 minutes to complete as many repetitions of the determined lifts as possible without setting the kettlebell(s) down. Sound easy? The only thing easy in GS is quitting!

Although there are no points awarded or deducted for ‘style’, it is mandatory that the knees and elbows 'lock' straight at the top of each lift in order for the rep to count.

Dates in GS History-

1948- The first GS competition took place in Moscow as the first All-Union competition of strong people

1962- Rules of competition were created and GS became an official sport of Russia, the Ukraine and other republics of the former USSR

1985- First Russian National Championship was held in the city of Lipetsk
Athletes were accredited with "Master of Sport of USSR" rank

1989- The 10-minute limit lifting rule was created. Prior to this time, competitors would lift all day, changing hands as many times as necessary.

2001- Women allowed to compete in Eastern European countries

2005- to present, women in Russia use 24kg in many competitions

The weight of the competition giri is indicated by its color: Yellow -16 kg (35 lbs) Green –24 kg (52.8 lbs) and Red - 32 kg (70.4 lbs)

Participants are categorized into weight and age groups as determined by the organization sponsoring the meet.

Jerk - The Jerk is traditionally performed with 2 bells, though in contemporary American meets, women compete in the one-arm Jerk. The lift begins from the rack position, initiated from a quick bending and straightening of the knees, which powers the thrust of the bells overhead. Before the knees lock out, there is a second knee dip which allows the lifter to “get under” the bells in a split second. Lastly, the arms and legs lock before returning to the rack position.
 

Snatch - Performed with one arm by swinging the bell through the legs, then up overhead where the hand slips through the handle so that the bell rotates or flips around the wrist. Competitors have one opportunity to change hands during the 10 minute competition.

                               [Juggling]
 

Long cycle - The Long Cycle is traditionally performed with 2 bells, though in contemporary American meets, women compete in the one-arm Long Cycle, combining the movements of the Swing Clean and the Jerk for each rep. Bells are swung between the legs and20up to the rack, then Jerk and returned to the rack.


Titles

In addition to winning medals, a competitor may achieve a title.
If a participant reaches a threshold of reps for their particular weight class, they will earn the title of Candidate for Master of Sport (CMS), Master of Sport (MS), or International Master of Sport (MSIL); the latter being the highest title achievable. Weight classes and required reps are determined by the officiating organization.