For several years prior to the 1980 Moscow Olympics, the Soviet Union produced a series of commemorative coins celebrating their ethnic sporting heritage. The above 10 ruble coin, shows one of the most iconic traditional sports: Kettlebell lifting — a stout fellow stands with a kettlebell lifted high above his head.
It has only been fairly recently that kettlebell sport has become better known in this part of the world. In competitive contests the lifts are the ‘Two Kettlebell Jerk’ and ‘One Kettlebell Snatch’; performed in that order for ten minutes each. The competitor with the highest overall score wins. With the immense increase in popularity as of late, perhaps some day well see kettlebell lifting as an Olympic event.
The Sandow Physical Culture Badge
