LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, will offer something special to Staff Sgt. Norman Fulk: a chance to bring home the gold.
Sergeant Fulk learned about Olympic weightlifting when he arrived here in 2003 and was instantly drawn to its focus on technique and speed.
Released from the 83rd Communications Squadron, Sergeant Fulk is now assigned to the Air Force World Class Athlete Program, where he continues to train for the Olympic Trials May 16 and 17 in Atlanta, and if successful, the Olympics.
"I can't even put into words how happy I am to be on the program," said Fulk, referring to the two-year special duty assignment that enables him to meet the demanding schedule needed to prepare for the Olympics.
He performs the majority of his training sessions in his garage at his house in Hampton, Va., using weights he purchased throughout the years.
Olympic weightlifting consists of two different competitions. The first competition, called the "Snatch," is executed by lifting the weight immediately from the floor over the head in one fluid, rapid movement. The second competition, the "Clean-and-Jerk," is executed by first "cleaning" the barbell from the floor to the shoulders, then pressing the entire weight swiftly over the head after a brief pause. The cleaning enables the lifter to press more weight.
Sergeant Fulk, 32, is preparing for the trials in May, which will determine if he's selected to go on to the Olympics. He is currently 230 pounds at 6 feet, 2 inches and will compete in the 205-231 pound weight class. He hopes to lift 160 kilograms, or 353 pounds, in the Snatch competition and 200 kilograms, or 440 pounds, in the Clean-and-Jerk competition at the Olympics.
In March, Sergeant Fulk earned second place in the Clean-and-Jerk competition lifting 187 kilograms; he also lifted 152 kilograms in the Snatch competition and received a bronze medal for his overall performance at the U.S. Weightlifting Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.
Sergeant Fulk's success doesn't come without sacrifice. He
trains three times a day, six days a week, alternating between heavy and light days to allow his body to recuperate and avoid muscle injuries. He eats specially prepared high-protein meals every three hours and takes frequent ice baths to prevent muscle injury.
He is also regularly tested by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. This agency enforces laws banning performance enhancing drugs in competitive sports. He can only take creatine and protein supplements; not just anything on the shelves at a local vitamin store.
In addition to
a strict diet and workout schedule, Sergeant Fulk is also coached on technique and strength.
Maj. Michael "Bull" Ternus, Sergeant Fulk's strength coach, is optimistic about Sergeant Fulk's chances at advancing to the Olympics.
"Sergeant Fulk is the best athlete the Air Force doesn't know about," said Major Ternus. "He's the first Air Force Olympic weightlifter in over 30 years to place in a major national championship and have a legitimate chance at qualifying in the Olympic Trials. There isn't an ounce of lazy or quit in him."