Andrew ‘Bud’ Charniga (1950-2025)
The weightlifting community has lost one of its greatest minds. Andrew ‘Bud’ Charniga —a weightlifter, coach, writer, and translator—dedicated his life to understanding, analyzing, and spreading the sport in ways few others have. His contributions shaped not just how weightlifting is studied, but how it is practiced worldwide.
Bringing Soviet Knowledge to the West
One of Bud’s most significant contributions was his translation of Soviet weightlifting literature into English. At a time when Soviet lifters dominated the sport, their training methods remained a mystery outside the USSR. Bud took it upon himself to change that.
His translations gave Western coaches and athletes access to elite Soviet research for the first time.
They helped fuel a modern weightlifting renaissance , shaping training methodologies worldwide.
This wave of interest played a key role in the eventual founding of Weightlifting House , which continues to share and spread knowledge about the sport.
Without Bud’s efforts, much of the technical and theoretical weightlifting knowledge we take for granted today might never have reached a global audience.
A Scientist of the Sport
Beyond his translations, Bud was a true scientist of weightlifting , applying biomechanics and scientific analysis to lifting.
He broke down technique, movement efficiency, and injury prevention in ways few others had.
His work went beyond anecdotal coaching, providing data-driven insights into training and performance .
He contributed to improving weightlifting programming, technique refinement, and even equipment design.
A Lasting Legacy
Bud’s influence is impossible to measure, but his work left a profound impact on the sport.
His translations educated generations of weightlifters and coaches .
His writings helped shape modern training philosophies .
His dedication to knowledge over brute strength helped push weightlifting forward as both an art and a science.
Weightlifting has lost one of its greatest minds, but Bud’s legacy will live on through the athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts who continue to learn from his work.
Rest in peace, Bud. Your contributions changed the sport forever.
