Robert Innus Interview

Robert Innus, 12 time Latvian Champion, 7 time Baltic States Champion, 3 time 3rd place winner in the World Championship, and 2nd place winner in the World Championship in 2009

Robert Innus is one of the most decorated lifters in the Baltic Region.  He is also an elite coach to a successful team of advanced kettlebell athletes.  After getting a chance to meet Robert in Latvia in the summer of 2009, I contacted him to find out more about his achievements on the platform, his background as a lifter and high level coach, and what he ultimately thinks it takes to become a Master of Sport.

Maya: Where are you from?
Robert: Latvia

Maya: What weight class do you compete in?
Robert: Under 105 kg

Maya: What is your age?
Robert: I am 31 years old.

Maya: What is your rank?
Robert: Master of Sport

Maya: Who is your coach?
Robert: My coach is Ivars Innus. He is also my father!

"It is important to have a strong character to practice Kettlebell Lifting. Do YOU have it? Check yourself!" -Coach RI

Maya: Please tell us how you became involved in Kettlebell Sport.
Robert: I took part in a school competition 15 years ago and got the 1st place there. It made me decide to continue trainings with my coach, who was my dad. I have made my first team – 30 people – in 2002. I have prepared 30 sportsmen for competition, 5 of them are already Masters of Sport. My team has won the Latvian Cup 7 times and it is the strongest team in the Baltic States.

Maya: Please tell us about your best results.
Robert: My best result in jerk is 130 reps with 32kg KBs and same result in snatch – 130 reps with 32kg KB.

Maya: What Championship titles do you hold in Kettlebell Sport?
Robert: I am 12 time Latvian Champion, 7 times Baltic States Champion, 3 times 3rd place winner in the World Championship, and 2nd place winner in the World Championship in 2009.

Maya: Tell us about your training regimen.
Robert: I train 3 times per week at the gym (working with weights) and 2 times per week with cardio (aerobic) training.

Maya: You have developed five MS ranked male athletes.  That is very impressive.  Can you tell us more about your background as a coach?
Robert: I have finished Latvian Academy of Sport Education. I have a Master’s degree in Sport Education and have number of scientific publications. Training plans and regimens are composed for each sportsman individually, based on the best training methods and in collaboration with sport physicians.

"I have prepared 30 sportsmen for competition, 5 of them are already Masters of Sport. My team has won the Latvian Cup 7 times and it is the strongest team in the Baltic States." -Coach RI

Maya: What do you enjoy when you are not training or competing?
Robert: I like to follow other sports like ice hockey, track and field athletics, martial arts and others.

Maya: What does a lifter need to become successful at Kettlebell Sport?
Robert: It is important to have a strong character to practice Kettlebell Lifting. Do YOU have it?  Check yourself!

Maya: What are your aspirations for the future?
Robert: I am going to take some much needed rest time.