PETITION BY COMPETITORS AND SUPPORTERS OF SLOVAK POWERLIFTING REGARDING THE SITUATION AT SLOVAK FEDERATION
We, the undersigned competitors, members, and supporters of the powerlifting community,
who have devoted our energy, time, and passion to the development of this beautiful and demanding sport, hereby address the members of the Executive Committee of the Slovak Association of Fitness, Bodybuilding, and Powerlifting (SAFKST), as well as all relevant authorities and institutions in Slovak sport.
With a deep conviction about the positive development of our industry, but also with concern about decisions about the future that could jeopardize this progress, we submit this petition.
Our motivation stems from our love of powerlifting, our desire for fair competition, and our conviction that only through joint efforts can we achieve even greater success.
Allow us to respond to the shocking points of the SAFKST Executive Committee's resolution published in the minutes of the SAFKST Executive Committee meeting held on October 8, 2025, link to the minutes: https://sport.iedu.sk/Sport/MandatoryDisclosure/Detail/8319?PageReference=CompanyDetail
1. Rejection of claims about the alleged stagnation of powerlifting in Slovakia
It is with great disappointment and disagreement that we reject any claims by the SAFKST Executive Committee about the alleged stagnation of Slovak powerlifting. On the contrary, 2025, like previous years, was a year of significant international successes for both masters and juniors, clearly demonstrating the dynamic growth and increasing competitiveness of our competitors on the world stage. The international success of our juniors was covered by the most-watched television station in Slovakia as part of its long-running program. https://www.facebook.com/Telerano/videos/v-pondelok-uvid%C3%ADtetalent-a-odhodlanie-trojboj%C3%A1rky-%C3%BAspe%C5%A1ne-reprezentovali-slovens/1419773852599323/
These international successes are no coincidence – they are the result of hard work, especially by the competitors, coaches, and assistant national team coaches. Talking about stagnation is not only unfair, but also misleading and demotivating for the entire community, which in 2025 proved that Slovak powerlifting is not only stable, but growing and inspiring future generations.
2. Disagreement with the dismissal of Mr. Michal Vavrinec and Mr. Ladislav Horný as assistant national team coaches
We deeply regret and disagree with the decision of the SAFKST Executive Committee to dismiss Michal Vavrinec and Ladislav Horný from their positions as assistant national team coaches. These exceptional coaches and mentors are an inexhaustible source of experience, inspiration, expertise, and unbreakable passion for Slovak powerlifting, which is evident in everything they do. Michal Vavrinec, an experienced coach with an IPF license, has contributed to countless personal and national records and medal placements for our competitors through his coaching at international competitions. Ladislav Horny, with his many years of experience and intuitive understanding of the individual needs of competitors, has become synonymous with reliable and experienced authority. Their dismissal is a loss for the entire national team, as their positive energy and proven results are the key to further international triumphs. We call on the SAFKST Executive Committee to reconsider this decision and allow them to continue their extraordinary contribution to Slovak powerlifting.
3. Rejection of the exclusive license for competitions held by Mr. Rastislav Lehocký
We strongly reject any attempts to transfer competitions under the exclusive license of Mr. Rastislav Lehocký, as there are no real reasons for this step. As members of SAFKST, we all pay the same membership fees and contribute equally to the development of our sport – therefore, no individual can have a monopoly on organizing events that would limit the freedom and creativity of the entire community. We believe that healthy competition between competition organizers is the engine of progress. An exclusive license will lead to centralization, reduced motivation, and potential losses for smaller clubs. We support open competition among organizers, where the quality and accessibility of competitions are improved through mutual inspiration, not restrictions. Only in this way can we ensure that powerlifting in Slovakia continues to flourish and bring joy to thousands of enthusiasts.
We call on the SAFKST Executive Committee to:
- Immediately reconsider its claims of stagnation and publicly acknowledge the achievements of 2025.
- Reverse the dismissal of Michal Vavrinec and Ladislav Horný and confirm their key role in the national team.
- Ensure fair conditions for all competition organizers without exclusive licenses. We believe that this appeal will contribute to dialogue and a common goal—a stronger and more inclusive Slovak powerlifting community.
We are ready for constructive discussion and cooperation for the good of our sport.
With respect and determination, athletes and supporters of powerlifting in Slovakia
Pretekári a podporovatelia silového trojboja na SR (SAFKST-IPF) Contact the author of the petition