10 Questions for Donny Shankle

This month we have been privileged enough to have Donny run our barbell club which has turned out to be such a success. After every session that is held, the most common statement I hear is “I PR’d again today!!” and “Barbell Club needs to be a permanent addition”

As a coach and friend I love hearing our athletes excited about achievements they have earned, and feel that Donny has been such a great catalyst for improvement with everyone’s lifting.

Having an expert eye watch you and give you advice to improve your lifting is a lot more efficient than training incorrectly the whole time hoping to figure it all out. Efficiency is key in my opinion.

Below is a very brief insight into the man helping us along this journey. Hope you enjoy.

Age: 33

Origin: New Orleans, Louisiana

Best Competition Clean & Jerk: 210 kilos

Best competition Snatch: 168 kilos

Best Back Squat : 320 kilos

Best Front Squat: 260 kilos

Best Overhead Press: 135 kilos

Best Grace Time: 1:46 (first and only try)

Best Isabel Time: 1:44 (first and only try)

If you could be anything besides an Olympic lifter what would you like to be?

– I enjoy lifting and teaching others about weightlifting so much I can’t really see myself doing anything else. If I were not a weightlifter, I would probably still be in the marine corps.

Who is your favorite athlete?

– I don’t have one favorite athlete but some weightlifters I admire are Paul Anderson, Zlaten Vanev, and Tommy Kono. Anderson because of how simple and instinctive he kept his training. Vanev for the speed and confidence he displayed while lifting. Kono for the psychological connection he made towards weightlifting and weightlifters. Plus the idea of being a “showman”.

What food do you like to eat?

– I really enjoy seafood. Since I’ve been in Hong Kong, I’ve been really enjoying the duck and chicken feet.

What music do you have on your ipod?

– Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Lady Gaga, Classical

What sort of toll does the sport take on your mental game?

– I’m not sure what that question means. Weightlifting is hard on the body. The ups and downs behind dealing with injuries can be frustrating but not enough to take a toll on you mentally. Keep in mind weightlifting is a sport and if you are letting any sport take a mental toll on you then you should check your premises.

How did you get into Olympic Lifting?

– I started practicing the snatch and clean and jerk on my own after watching the Atlanta Olympic games in 1996. I started competing a few years later. My first coach was Mike Burgener.

Where do you see the road taking you in the future?

– The past few years I have really enjoyed teaching weightlifting all over the world. In the future, I can see myself devoting more time to actually coaching a weightlifting club either for my own gym or someone else’s. (Joey please note!)

What is the funniest thing you can remember off hand that’s happened in training?

– It’s hard to pinpoint but it would certainly have to be during my days training at California Strength. The vibe was very good there and we really created something special at the time. None of us were trying to be funny. We were only being ourselves. However, this is significant when you are training because it is the essence behind self-confidence.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

– My inspiration is found in the training. As you keep training you learn more about what to include to become better or what it is you need to scrap. The personal records you make are very rewarding and for many people can be addictive. These new numbers are objective tests to your strength, athleticism, and toughness.

If you could give one piece of advice to novice lifters, what would it be?

– Keep showing up to the gym and train. Discipline is the most important principle you will have to apply in the beginning. Put the reps in and keep the questions few. Weightlifting is a sport which requires a great amount of skill so don’t get frustrated. Don’t over think it. Have fun, be aggressive and keep things simple.

Tung Chung crew getting some lifting done

Week 7 of the strength cycle

Expect a lower intensity week this week just before we start the last 5weeks of high intensity strength.