Qualify for the USA Team!!!
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The AKLU is now the official USA representative for the World Kettlebell Sport Federation (WKSF), and there will be multiple official qualifiers in spring of 2026 through spring of 2027. The cutoff date to qualify for the 2027 World Championship is March 31st, 2027.
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How to qualify for the USA Team:
You must lift a qualifying WKSF lift in person or submit a virtual entry to an AKLU qualifier event. You will need to check the “please consider me for the USA team” on the event registration form.
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For the 2027 USA Team, check out our sanctioned events here. ​
We strongly encourage in person participation, as this experience is what makes kettlebell such a great sport and in person is a great way to prepare for the environment while competing at the Worlds level.
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What lifts can I compete in at WKSF Worlds?
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Lifting Categories
​​Divisions​
Elite Lifters
Competing in any Elite lift disqualifies you from lifting as an amateur (except in 30 min) in the same event/year. You may compete in a Masters division if your age qualifies. .
Team USA can only bring 2 lifters per Elite lift and per weight class to Worlds. These lifters are chosen based on scores achieved at in person competitions during the qualifying season.
Note – if you lift professional one year, you can drop back to amateur the next year.
Amateur
Competing as an Amateur, you may also register to compete in a Masters Division is your age qulaifies.
Unlimited competitors can join Team USA, but must demonstrate ability to perform the lift per technical
rules, and target a Rank 1 rep equivalent.
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Masters
Unlimited competitors, but must demonstrate ability to perform the lift per technical
rules, and target a Rank 1 rep equivalent
Junior, Youth, Disabled, and Students
Unlimited competitors, but must demonstrate ability to perform the lift per technical
rules, and target a Rank 1 rep equivalent
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Age Ranges​
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Lift | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
Biathlon | Two-bell Jerk plus a Snatch set, scored as one combined total | 10' |
Long Cycle | Two bell clean and jerk both bells, every rep, for 10 minutes | 10' |
One Arm Long Cycle | Clean and jerk one bell, one hand switch | 10' |
Snatch | Traditional snatch, one hand switch | 10' |
Snatch | 12 minute snatch set; multi switch | 12' |
One Arm Long Cycle 30', One Arm Jerk 30', Snatch 30' | marathon sets; multi switch | 30' |
Division | Age Range | Men's Bell Weight | Women's Bell Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
Elite | Open | 32 kg | 20 kg for two-bell and 30' events; 24 kg for OALC 10', Snatch 10', Snatch 12'. Optional 24 kg two-bell class (Absolute) |
Amateur | Open | 24 kg | 16 kg |
Junior | 19 to 22 | 32 kg | Same split as Elite women, without the 24 kg two-bell class |
Young | 16 to 18 | 24 kg | 16 kg |
Children | 14 to 15 | 16 kg | 12 kg |
Students | Enrolled students | 24 kg, Snatch 10' only | 16 kg, Snatch 10' only |
Disabled | Open | 16 kg | 8 kg |
Men's Masters | 40 to 49, 50 to 59 | 24 kg | |
Men's Masters | 60 to 69, 70 to 74 | 16 kg | |
Men's Masters | 75+ | 12 kg | |
Women's Masters | 35 to 44, 45 to 54 | 16 kg | |
Women's Masters | 55 to 64 | 12 kg | |
Women's Masters | 65+ | 8kg |
Weight classes – choose wisely!
A weight class must be chosen at the time of registration for Worlds which is several months prior to the competition. To change prior, it is a large fee. If you do not meet your weight class on weigh in, you will be disqualified from lifting.
Division | Two Bell Event | One Bell Event |
|---|---|---|
Men: Elite, Junior, Amateur, Masters | 63, 68, 74, 80, 87, 95, 95+ kg | 74, 87, 87+ kg |
Women: Elite, Junior, Amateur, Masters | 52, 58, 65, 75, 75+ kg | 58, 65, 65+ kg |
Men 16 to 18 | 52, 62, 72, 72+ kg | 62, 62+ kg |
Women 16 to 18 | 48, 58, 58+ kg | 58, 58+ kg |
Men 14 to 15 | 52, 62, 72, 72+ kg | 52, 52+ kg |
Women 14 to 15 | 48, 58, 58+ kg | 48, 48+ kg |
FAQ
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I want to lift more than one event at Worlds, do I have to qualify on every lift?
If you are a professional, you must qualify on the professional lift you hope to compete in at Worlds.
(Recall, only 2 per lift and body weight category).
If you are an amateur or veteran lifter – you must perform only one lift at a qualifier.​IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, ask before you register!
How is the USA Team assembled?
After the qualifiers, all results are tallied and compared across the events. Only individuals that lifted an
approved WKSF lift will be considered.
Professional lifters will be invited by weight class, bell weight and lift based on the rep results--- only the top 2 from each category will be invited. If there is an opening in a weight class above or below the qualifier weight, you may be asked if you would like to gain/lose weight if you want a Pro spot. Otherwise, all professional lifters that do not win a position will be offered a spot as an amateur provided the technique/rep count has been demonstrated.
Amateur and Veteran lifters – you will be invited if you compete at a qualifier, demonstrate solid technique and your results are similar to a Rank 1 (across all tables). There will be circumstances where someone may attempt an amateur qualifying lift but not obtain competitive rep results, and they may be offered a position as a veteran (at a lighter bell weight) if their age allows.
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Once you have accepted a spot on the team, AKLU will work with you and provide advice to determine your final lifts (in the case of adding lifts) and help identify if you can carry over results between Pro/Amateur and Veteran categories (your amateur results can count toward a Vet lift in some circumstances, with an extra lift fee).
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How will I know if I made the USA Team?
You will receive an email from AKLU offering a position on the USA team on or around March 31st. You will need to make a commitment within 2 weeks of the offer because enough time is needed to order uniforms, make travel and accommodation plans etc.
What is the general schedule of the event?
This schedule may impact your lift choices – in 2022 this was the lift schedule:
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Team meeting – prior to weight ins/same day
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Weight-in – afternoon/evening before first lifts – this is mandatory as a team.
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Day 1 – TALC, Biathlon, Disabled
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Day 2 – OALC, snatch, relays
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Day 3 – all 30 min lifts
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Depending on how travel experienced you are – it’s best to arrive a day before (or 2 days before) the weigh ins to allow your body to adjust.
What are my financial responsibilities to be on USA team?
Each competitor is responsible for all passport/visa fees, accommodations (there are often shared options), travel expenses, and food. Additionally, parts of the uniform will be the responsibility of the lifter – generally shorts and extra shirts. Each year, AKLU attempts to raise enough money to supply the track suits and one lifting shirt at no cost, but that is not guaranteed. Lift fees are also the responsibility of the lifter.
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Example fees from 2025
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WKSF mandatory fees – (in Euros €) – lifter membership €30, each lift € ~80,
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If you must change your weight class after registration or on site, WKSF charges high fees! That fee could be as high as €240 .
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Lifter membership covers drug tests – you may or may not be chosen to be drug tested, but the fee is mandatory
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Uniform costs – (in USD $) extra t-shirt/tanks ~$12, shorts ~$45-50
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Accommodation – is usually reasonable, especially if shared rooms, and options are presented by the hosting country so you do not need to find your own accommodation
What do I need to know about travel for USA team?
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months past the date of entry (dates are not released, but it will be in June 2027).You are responsible for booking all travel associated with the event. Usually, we received information from the host about local travel in advance of the event (i.e., airport to/from, local transportation etc.).
We have lots of combined experience, and can help with packing tips, jetlag/schedule questions, etc. and are happy to help closer to travel time.
If you have ANY questions, please contact AKLU.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our qualifying events!