There’s a part of Ethan Harak’s story that is very typical these days. He got into CrossFit, spent a few years doing it, and then converted to Olympic weightlifting. This is an extremely common entry process into the sport in this modern era.
 
However, the weights he’s lifting and the level he has risen to in only five years are not typical at all. Since committing to weightlifting five years ago, Ethan has best official lifts of 165 kg in the snatch and 207 kg in the C&J, producing several medal finishes at the National Championship and American Open. This level of performance in a short amount of time is stellar. Ethan is currently a 2^nd-3^rd place guy at the top national level of our sport, and his quick rise in a short time makes it clear that he is in position to move up to the top spot in the coming years.
 
Also uncommon is the fact that he has a Master’s Degree in Chemistry. I’ve been in this sport for 30 years, and I can tell you, that’s not something you normally hear from weightlifters. It’s terrific to see high-level athletes who were smart enough to develop professional careers that will set them up for success after their time in the sport is over. It’s a pity that Ethan has to work a job to bring in income at this point in his career, because this is exactly the kind of guy USAW should be supporting financially. With the right training and assistance, a 400 kg total could be in the cards! The Performance Menu is pleased to give you a look at one of America’s rising stars.
 
Tell us about your background. Where are you from, where do you currently live, what’s your occupation (if you work in addition to training), family life, what kind of sports background do you have outside of lifting, etc.
 
I was raised and currently live in Kansas City, MO. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Chemistry. I recently started a full-time position as an Associate Chemist. I previously worked part-time so I could make training the top priority, so this has been an adjustment for me.
 
I have an amazing wife, Lauren, who has supported me through all of my lifting career. We don’t have any kids yet, but we do have two Great Danes (Hank and Lola). But they’re kids in our eyes. And eat more food than most kids.
 
When I was in grade school, basketball was my sport. I would spend hours working on my shot and form. I also played two seasons of football in the 8^th and 9^th grade. In high school, a football coach took me under his wing and got me interested in lifting weights. From then on, I decided not to play team sports so that I could get strong lifting weights and focus on my grades. I did a couple of powerlifting meets during that span. I think my best squat was 220 kg and my best power clean was 150 kg in high school. After high school, I didn’t really know you could compete in strength sports. I found CrossFit in 2010 and did that through my college years before I started weightlifting full-time.
 
 
Describe your weightlifting history. When/how did you start? Who have your coaches been? What championships and international teams do you have on your record? What are your best lifts?
 
I found the Olympic lifts through CrossFit. In August 2013, I made the switch to weightlifting after I realized I had a much brighter future in that sport. Aaron Axmear was my initial coach and still is today! I currently lift under Team Strength Guild, which is run by Aaron and Jerell Barber.
 
In 2014, I joined Muscledriver USA. Don McCauley and Glenn Pendlay did my programming when I was on the team. I was still in graduate school, so I never moved out there (however, that was the plan after I graduated). When MDUSA shut down, I briefly joined Travis Mash’s team. My wife and I decided to move back to KC, so I ultimately decided to go back with my old team, where it all started for me!
 
Since my first national meet in 2013, I have had numerous podium finishes in the total at Nationals and the American Open. I have split my time between the -105 kg and 105+ kg weight classes.
 
National Meets
2013 AO – 4^th place (105 kg)
2014 Nationals- 2^nd place (105 kg)
2014 AO - 2^nd place (105 kg)
2015 Nationals – 3^rd place (105 kg)
2015 AO - 2^nd place (105 kg)
2016 Nationals – 4^th place (105 kg)
2016 AO - 2^nd place (105+ kg)
2017 Nationals - 2^nd place (105 kg)
2017 AO series III – 1^st place (105+ kg)
2017 AO - 3^rd place (105+ kg)
2018 Nationals - 3^rd place (105+ kg)
 
International Meets
2016 IWF Russian Grand Prix – 4^th place (105 kg)
2017 Pan-American Championships – 6^th place (105+ kg)
 
Since I started, I have gotten FIVE 2^nd-Place finishes: and THREE 3^rd-place finishes and a 1^st place at the 2017 AO Series III. I still haven’t gotten that 1^st place overall finish at Nationals or AO. The 2013 American Open and 2016 Nationals are the only two national meets since I started where I haven’t been on the podium for total, so hey, at least I am consistent.
 
My best competition lifts are 165 kg snatch, 207 kg CJ, and 372 kg total. I just did these at the 2018 Nationals. My best training lifts are 170 kg snatch, 210 kg CJ, 220 kg jerk (power jerk all the way), 296 kg back squat, and a 261 kg front squat.
 
Please give a basic description of your training. Just tell us as much as you can about your program, weekly/yearly planning, etc.
 
I let my coach be in charge of my programming. I for sure give him input about what I need, or how I’m feeling, but I let him be in charge. I currently train 5x/week. My training involves a ton of volume at the beginning. A ton. For example, 20 snatches or CJ doubles are pretty common during the first part of the cycle. Squats are also high volume at this time (sets of 10). Just like any program, though, the intensity goes up/reps go down as we get towards the end of the cycle. As the weight goes up, my coach programs heavy singles for me, followed by drop sets. This only means to lift as heavy as that day allows it. I like it because I don’t have to kill myself trying to lift weights that just aren’t there for that day, but I can also push it if I feel good. I also like it because I can feel heavier weights, but then I get that added technique work at the end with the drop sets. Nothing too crazy, it’s just work!
 
Describe some of the obstacles you face, or maybe some things that frustrate you in your weightlifting life. What kinds of changes would you like to see, either personally or with the sport in general?
 
I am blessed that I have not had any major injuries in my career. Aside from the minor nagging injuries that everyone has in this sport, one thing that I struggle with is training by myself. When training gets tough, it’s nice to have your teammates there to fight and suffer through the programming together. Unfortunately, I often train by myself and don’t have a “lit” training atmosphere. I do take advantage of training in a group if an opportunity arises.
 
The most common obstacle I have faced are the ones that stem from finances. Everyone knows that training full time with no other outside stresses is best for your performance. But in reality, you have to make money to put food on the table and pay the rent/mortgage. I have been on and off the USA weightlifting stipend, so it was never consistent income. Because of that, I’ve had to take it upon myself to work and make money. I needed income that was guaranteed and not solely based on a total at a meet. Luckily, I have a nice degree that I can put to use, but I do feel bad for the people who never got their education because they made weightlifting their top priority. USA Weightlifting does pay their top athletes well, but it still kind of blows my mind how you can make a Pan Am or World Team, and not be on any type of stipend. They are also constantly changing their stipend procedures, which definitely makes it hard to predict what total you need to get x amount of money. One thing that would be cool is if USA weightlifting would give a little money for podium finishes or broken records at Nationals or the American Open. Lots of other sports give out money purses to their winning athletes, so why not us?
 
What are your plans and goals for your weightlifting career? How do you see your future in the sport? Do you plan to stay involved in weightlifting after your top competitive years are over?
 
My two goals in weightlifting are to become National Champion and to make a World Team. In the next few years, I will try to accomplish those.
 
Eventually, I plan to start my own weightlifting facility where I will coach and run the gym. I also have interest in doing some strength and conditioning with high school kids or people who just want to get strong! Thus it is easy to say I will be involved in weightlifting for many years to come.
 
Who are some of your major influences, people you look up to, etc.? Who are the people you want to thank for your success?
 
When I first got into the sport, Kendrick Farris was one of the first weightlifters I followed and enjoyed watching lift. Maybe that’s why I do the power jerk, instead of split jerk. J I also enjoy watching old videos of Shane Hamman lift. I think it’s cool that we were both born in Oklahoma.
 
I have a great support system. I would have to give a huge thanks to my wife. She has supported me emotionally, and financially throughout my career. My current coach Aaron was the one who got me started in this sport and has continued to contribute to my success by any means necessary. I would also have to thank my family, the Strength Guild Team, and the rest of my huge gym family that has supported me over the years.
 
Best of luck, Ethan! Your talent and capabilities are tremendous, and we wish you continued success in the future.