1. An authentic current-model IronMind® Rolling Thunder® handle must be used, it
cannot have been modified in any way, and it must be inspected to ensure that
it revolves freely: holding the handle, lift the triangular metal frame and rotate it
until it is horizontal (parallel to the ground). Release the metal frame to
demonstrate that it rotates back to its original vertical position (pointing toward
the ground) under its own weight. The lift starts with the weight in between the
lifter’s feet, using an IronMind 15″ Olympic loading pin and carabiner.
2. The lifter grabs the Rolling Thunder handle in approximately its center and lifts
with the handle remaining approximately parallel to the ground. A thumbless grip
is not permitted.
3. Any contact between the lifter’s hand and the non-revolving portion of the handle
disqualifies the lift; and other than incidental contact, the hand or Rolling Thunder
handle must not touch the body before the lift is completed—dragging the hand
or handle up the leg is cause for an immediate “No lift.”
4. The lifter must fully straighten up (back erect, legs and hips locked out); once
standing straight, the lifter must maintain control of the lift for 1 second before
getting a down signal from the chief referee, and must then return the weight to
the ground. Contact must be maintained between the lifter’s hand and the handle
until the weight is resting on the floor. The lifter is given 1 minute to complete the
lift after his/her name is called; during that minute, there is no limit to how many
times the lifter may try to complete the lift. If a lifter fails to complete a lift, the
lifter has no further attempts.
5. Ordinary chalk (magnesium carbonate) may be used on the lifter’s hand, but
nothing else is permitted (tacky, liquid chalk, and wrist wraps, for example, are
specifically disallowed).
6. There shall be a chief referee who indicates whether the lift was passed or not.