I remember hearing Ben Johnson saying that he never failed a test until he changed shoe company. Might not just countries that have the power to influence the tests

An honest, judgement-free conversation about this is important. It's big step and I'm not ready so I am going to watch some professional cycling instead.

Don't change lads. The channel is going to grow, don't let that stop you being dangerous.

Half the weight lifters had been banned previously and come back. Lasha got a ban as a junior, right? Then just kept going up, despite "getting clean." Must've been all that chicken, broccoli, and rice.

Tier Tree, because, as MPMD would say: "They're sauced out of their friggin' tree!"

The antler placement on the wall is impeccable (2:30)

Is it fair that Eoin doesn't get a pair of antlers?

Would love to see a breakdown of all the weight classes both male and female and see what you think would be attainable lifts and totals if they were natural, would be interesting to compare it to all the lifts and totals from the Olympics

Honestly, where do you think the events of the past 4 years leave weightlifting in 2024? Will we just see the usual Bulgarians and Romanians held out as scapegoats while China and Lasha set WR's or will Tier 1 lifters ever have a chance at Olympic Gold in any class?

This is such interesting topic. As a Chinese weightlifting fan i have some fun facts and thoughts. Right before 2008 Beijing Olympic the Chinese government hired a very advanced antidoping test agency and conducted scrutinized tests over all Chinese athletes, because it would simply be disgraceful as the games were in China. It’s safe to say there was no complicity in 2008. But still 3 weightlifting gold medalists were found positive in 2017. And they are all trained under the same coach who were later banned for life. Which made me realize that the Chinese weightlifting team does not operate in a unity. Each coach had their own strategies, resources or a dope supplier. Even when the government explicitly asked them not to dope, the coaches may had their own scheme. the motivation to dope does not necessarily come from the athletes or the government, it may comes from the coach. Since only one contestant can go to the olympics in each weight class, the competition exists among both athletes and coaches.

Drug testing isn't really just a massive hindrance. Even in American collegiate athletics, there are so many easy ways to get around drug testing (I know this from first-hand experience).

They’re success is due to the fact they eat clen and tren hard.

I watched this video and I'm like "wow this is a lot more pleasurable viewing experience"

An honest, fascinating insight into why and how certain athletes arrive the training hall looking like they’ve holidayed on the Planet Krypton. These guys are on fire. Every video they have done since moving into the new Ministry of SikaTruth HQ is flipping fantastic. Also, keep the new editor

"what do people twist, nipples?" - gurph 2021

Sikastan follows the 10 tier, you gotta be doped just to enter the country

How about cover some other sports also, like, swimming? I think for some reason there are too many western athletes having asthma and doing “legal doping”

Can you confirm the rumors that Under Armour has you signed to a six-figure endorsement? Enjoyed the video. Great work as always lads.

Hard to hear exactly what is being said over Fitz DEAFENING breathing

we all know elite Olympians dope (in sports where the risk-reward is there) and there's probably a Chinese doping program (though "I've been hearing" doesn't count as evidence), but that doesn't explain their weightlifting dominance. China dominates sports like diving, ping pong and badminton where PED benefits are marginal at best, and dominate those even more than they do weightlifting, in the case of the first two, far, far more than weightlifting, and those two have probably the least benefit from PEDs. Their infrastructure for these sports is probably what matters far more given that everyone is cheating to various degrees.

"Lifters from this country can't be doping because look at how often they get tested!" *Broderick Chavez has entered the chat*

Italy is sus af atm. Opinions?

As a Canadian, I remember the Ben Johnson, 1988 Seoul debacle. I also cringe at the Dubin Inquiry that followed. Poor Ben Johnson and all the other athletes who testified publicly and were vilified. No other country in the world had the integrity or stupidity to do what Canada did. I felt if Canada wanted an inquiry, do it in private; Don't ruin a dude's life! I have watched a few documentaries about that the 1988 final, and just how many athletes in that final were juiced. And Carl Lewis....barf... Ben remains gold in my books. Love your videos! Keep doing more of this kind of content.

There are videos on youtube of CJ Cummings lifting some impossible weights at 16 years old and looking skinny like hell... It's such an empty myth that American lifters are not doping...

Maybe that's how it works in Sikastan but everyone knows China would never condone doping, the Chinese government has never done anything shady in its existence and all the Chinese athletes are stand up guys who I know personally. I think everything you've said is wrong and for that reason I have liked, commented, and subscribed...

China sends 8 athletes to Tokyo for weightlifting and they all medal. 7 Golds, 1 Silver... Their success is partially due to drugs (We would like to think they are natural because it is the Olympics) but also the Chinese sport system is different. They pick kids most of the time younger than 10 who are deemed to be genetically gifted or show talent in a specific sport. These kids train 5-7 days a week. When you have a population of over 1 billion people the competition would be immense. So not only do they have a strict training program, the top athletes are no stranger to tough competition. You look at sports like table tennis and diving no one in the world even comes close at times. China has over 100000 active competitive lifters.

I know for a fact that Russian Olympic Weightlifting team stops doping a few weeks before every major event and they had to pass internal drug tests first to compete. There is also a rumor that Klokov failed internal drug test and had to withdraw because of it. Also there are top athletes who used to get calls from the federation on the days when they were going to be "randomly" tested

Holy crap I didn't realize you guys only have 14k subs!? This channel comes off much higher quality than 14k subs! Keep up the good work guys!!

Kinda makes me glad I'm competing in strongman, even though I'm a natty manlet. At least we can talk openly about it all. Whether I lose by a meter to someone who is doping or by a mile to someone who is allowed to take shit... I think I prefer the latter bc it's honest, at least. And they in turn offer you more respect for what you can do without drugs. Just mutual respect.

I am so appreciative of the openness in this video (and your channel at large). And furthermore, I appreciate that you don’t demonize those countries and athletes for *possibly* doping

What about China's dominance in sports like Badminton and Table Tennis? Would you also attribute it to their ability to keep their athletes on PEDs?

Chinese weightlifting is best weightlifting... Lu for gold

Smh CJ and Lasha have never taken anything ever, and this comment is not for the algorithm

Not watched this video yet, but.... You're the predominant voice in my head. Commenting for the algorithm. Love the sh*t talk podcast. Thanks

All these weightlifting channels on KZfaq competing for our attention and this Alex guy is just sitting back raking it in like the king on top that he is

Just remember: over the two Olympic cycles Russia were running a state sponsored doping programme, Team GB caught and then overtook them in the medals table.

In Belgium we have crazy atheletes like Wout Van Aert (cycling) who won a mountainstage, time trail and the final sprint stage on the champs elysee all in the same Tour the France. After winning multiple classic races in the start of the year, after cutting open his entire right quadricep two years ago... Or someone like Nafi Thiam who came close to breaking the hepthatlon WR and also won gold in Rio. Everyone in Belgium just assumes they are clean, while if a Russian/Chinese or any other "dirty" country would put up such performances, it would be 100% doping.

Incredible video!!! I've waited for this sooo long! Yes, everybody dopes on the highest level and might I add: it's not just when you're a senior athlete in your 20's. To become a world champion you have to start early and maybe after 10 yrs of incredibly hard work and doping you develop to the level to have a chance to win a medal.

This is an entirely genuine comment, definitely not to help work the algo

Fitz was breathing way too loud here, honestly I couldn't hear a word of what Gurph said the whole video

Yeah good points made, however I find that title a bit misleading the whole video has only one small segment on China lol. But I agree with your points, is the similar points people make for baseball and any other professional sports. The important question is, could we, as viewers go back and see people lifting well below the records set and winning gold medals for a lot less weight? Obviously there are those lifters who are Gods amongst men but they area really rare.

I might be a little late to this, but this is a such an honest podcast. Good job!

What is Sika nation’s opinion on Toshiki? I know Japan is super strict culturally on PEDs. But I know people think his squat is suspicious enough to think he’s doping.

I like the editing, not distracting but looks pretty decent.

there was an article in Rolling Stone, I think, decades ago about the sport of weightlifting, track and field and the athletes were very Open that DOPING is Normal and everyone knows about it but there is a CODE OF SILENCE amongst the athletes the world over not to say anything until 1 gets caught.. I think this was after the Marion Jones Doping scandal.

Thumbs up for just having this authentic discussion👍🏾

Fascinating, really enjoyed your approach to the subject. The tiering levels were interesting. It is a horrid realisation of mine that my favourite athletes are most likely doping. It won’t stop me watching them lift.

I was literally just noticing the breathing when Eoin pointed it out haha. Excellent antler placement btw.

It's always a pleasurable viewing experience when there's two of you sitting together

It’s extremely telling when they get busted fer doping and their totals still consistently after they get back from the bans

Doping is perfect excuse for loose. Remind you that American swimmers often have asthma. They can use many drugs legally. 🤔 Interesting.

I am leaving a comment because its great for the algorithm.

This is a lot to take in. I thought I was on great track for the 2024 games and now I'm hearing my competitors are taking drugs. Hope it gets fixed

What are your thoughts on Boady Santavy?

Drugs or no drugs, there is no steroid that makes athletes immune to mental pressure. One of the most interesting aspects of these sessions in Tokyo to me has been the bomb outs. So do you guys think Simone pissed hot?

I have a lot of training experience. Over TREN years!

Not ragging on Chinese weightlifting? Not feeling well today boys? 😆

Wow, this is a lot more of a pleasurable viewing experience lads.

I’m curious to hear what your guys opinion (and anyone else who cares to chime in) about Hidilyn Diaz re. doping. Her win came with numbers that I would consider elite or near elite. However I don’t know how much government or personal support would have been available to her for a comprehensive doping program. I’m not insinuating anything either way, but as one of the stories that really touched my heart in these Olympics thus far, I’m curious if anyone has any opinions regarding her historic win.

How long does it take to clear their systems,. Are most custom made and hard to test for.

Wow, this is a lot more pleasurable viewing experience. Thanks Alex 👍🏻

It honestly amazes me how ignorant the public remain when it comes to doping in high level sports. Some people are just in denial that high level sports including the Olympics are full of people doping. I mean even the athletes who didn't place in the top 10 are most likely doping. Personally I don't think it takes away from their achievements but it is quite unfair that people from impoverished countries most likely have very limited access to doping...unless your Usain bolt lol

Part of me wishes doping was acceptable because I’d love to see the athletes put up absolutely insane weights and I also don’t view it as immoral (when it’s accepted in comp) because they have to still put the work in if not more to become elite. On the other hand if it was accepted it would unfortunately force some athletes hand that otherwise would absolutely not dope and they’d possibly have to bow out because they just wouldn’t be competitive. Tough call either way.

wow, this is a lot more pleasurable viewing experience (:

Is it essentially the same for organizations like IPF?

people that get upset by this video are the same people that think WWE wrestling is real

Honestly cool information to have Edit: the editing looks good!

Woah, this is a lot more pleasurable viewing experience

I may or may not be on the Email list to notify me when the team China singlets come back in stock on Luxiojun barbell…..

Ofc they dope, but the thing is can you really compete vs china? They handpick children for sports at young age to get the most optimal person for the sport and in this case weightlifting. While western kids that get successfull usually have a parent or someone that is experienced in the sport to guide them. Just see thailand weightlifters, sure they dope but its thier work and they do it to sustain thier family. Completely different motivation. Good video btw

After the first week of the games, do you think there is any sports standing out already as suspect? Rowing, Judo, Cycling?

This is a pleasurable viewing experience

Being double jabbed means something totally different in the Grand Republic of Sikastan

This video seems like all other videos "a very pleasurable experience" as always

When the USA sweeps a category, no one dare question possible doping.😂

what proportion of sports/athletes at this years olympics would you predict to be clean/enhanced?

What tier would TUEs be in? I have a feeling a lot of the more western athletes go this route.

See Fitz struggling not to acknowledge Gurph say “to milk” right after he mentions Thomas Ajans nipples…

The lu project as is happening before our eyes.. the theory coming to fruition

Great video and very informative. I also enjoyed the accents. Would like to know who are tier 1 athletes to give me an idea of realistic numbers to chase in Oly lifting for my weight.

I like before I even watch these days

Like they say: better life thru chemistry. The steroid situation is a matter of who uses the more undetectable type, that is, until a better test is developed. It is a matter of who has access to the best chemists.

You guys are absolute psychics! I searched on KZfaq a couple days ago "Why are Chinese weightlifters so strong" and couldn't find a single video on the subject and then you guys made this video lol. Recently found and subscribed to this channel, love your content, just two down to earth guys talking about the sport they love! :)

You mentioned some info on the connection between Kazakhstan and Aján. Any thoughts on how China gets their political clout?

Greatly appreciated both the discussion and the sneaky 🌲

This was a much more pleasurable viewing experience 👍

I'd love to hear you guys talk about Laurence Vincent Lapointe, a Canadian sprint canoeist who got popped, won an appeal be probably because she's multiple times world champion, then failed to earn an Olympic quota, but got given one by canoe kayak Canada because she's their star athlete at the expense of another paddler

Wow this was a lot more pleasurable viewer experience

What tier is Zack?

What is weightlifting? I got redirected here from the Sikastan nationality test.

Honestly, they should just do away with WADA. I think it should be legal and it should be up to the athletes. I also understand that there are a ton of issues with that as well, but it isn't like the current system works all that well.

They're not doping it's just chicken and broccoli

Great insights, thanks!

Well actually Russia does have a lot of influence over WADA, IWF, IOC, ROC etc, often the officials were Russian themselves as revealed by that whistleblower. I think the only reason they got busted was due to the West's geopolitical interests. China on the other hand has managed to avoid this due to a multitude of variables.

Can you tell Why Rússia could compete on the olympics under a differebt name but Romania couldn't?

This is what the people want to hear.

Appreciate the quality content. I would like to mention Zhan xugang, he’s two time Olympic champions back in 1996 and 2000. When he completed at 77kg in Sydney, he squat&jerked 207.5kg which lu hasn’t achieved at 81kg. Surprisingly comparing to lu, that dude has the same height but look much less jacked. If there is anyone clean in China team I would consider he is one of them. Tbf with years of weightlifting training plus doping, it would be a miracle to have a dad bod especially at lower weight class

Thank you for highlighting this, I am always so impressed with the training, discipline, technique and consistency with the Chinese team. But there's a giant elephant in the room and it needs to be discussed.

Your video is quite informative. I think you don't have to make that "Fanboy alert" in the begaining and the end though. Just speak out of your mind. I do believe almost everyone at olypmpic podium level is on something. And only the poor ones without a sophisticated lab/meds support will get caught. Or maybe they just being too aggressive on the doses and willing to take the risk. I'm a Chinese and a Weightlifting funboy. I can tell you this sport is not that popular here. Gyms and clubs got plates but no place for the grunting weightlifters. There are few crossfit clubs but without proffesional weightlifting trainers. Means there are basically no support or development program descending from professional level. All the weightlifters appears on the olympic stage were hand picked at a young age. They are those genectically 0.x %. And they are willing to bear the pain through out so many years of camp training. It's a pyramid scheme. I once complained to a traning buddy, even a retired fundations bric level weightlifter of this pyramid could be a good trainer in any club, yet we have met none of them. However with all that said, it doesn't stop mine appreciation of those weightlifters. Their mentality is absolutly insperational regardless their nationalities. I clap for Pizzolato Antonino when he challenge 210 in C&J in 81kg. I love the mentality of that If no records or gold then nothing different silver and bronze.

Highly pleasurable viewing experience.