Syracuse Host City | 2026 IKMF World Championships

May 25, 2026 at 7:30 AM

To the Global Kettlebell Community,

As I sit back this morning with a cup of coffee in hand, reflecting on the incredible weekend we just shared together, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all those who showed up, pride in my staff, and an overwhelming degree of satisfaction.

Over the course of the past three days, countless athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters approached me to express appreciation for the energy, organization, hospitality, and execution of this event. They spoke about the professionalism of my staff, the precision of a competition that stayed on schedule from flight to flight, and the atmosphere created inside the arena.

Hearing those words meant more than I can properly express.

What I will remember most, however, are the moments within the competition itself -- the smiles, laughter, embraces, cheers, tears, and celebration of one another. We witnessed world records broken, new champions crowned, and perhaps most exciting of all, the emergence of future champions through our youth and junior athletes.

Most importantly, we witnessed something that defines kettlebell sport at its very core: unity between nations. Regardless of language, flag, or geography, this championship once again demonstrated that kettlebell sport brings people together through mutual respect, shared struggle, and collective passion.

On behalf of my entire IKMF 2026 Organizing Committee, thank you, all, for trusting Syracuse, New York and the United States to host this extraordinary event.

I would like to extend special gratitude to a few people. First, Stéphane Dauvergne President and Founder of the IKMF, for giving the USA the opportunity to host the championships and for his continued belief in our team and vision.

To Del Wilson, thank you for capturing the emotional weight, passion, and energy that carried throughout the weekend.

Judi DeMuro, thank you for placing your trust in the IKMF 2026 Organizing committee to deliver at the highest level.

Thank you Ryan McMahon and Onondaga County to for their generous $15,000 contribution and support of this event, and Visit Syracuse to for helping us roll out the red carpet and showcase our city to the world.

Thank you to all our sponsors and financial supporters: Pain to Performance Center, Edmond J Theobald Financial Services, Keplinger Freeman Assoc, Sarofeen & Arbon, PLLC, The Strength Yard, Eastern Shores Insurance Agency, Syracuse Time & Alarm, Iron Legion Kettlebell Club, Gwinnett Clinic, ZDEP D.D.S.& ZDEP D.D.S. P.C., Allied American Abstract Corp., American Solutions for Business, Miles Bottrill, Empire Mgt. of CNY Inc., K2Boxing, Georgia Kettlebell Sport, T.H. Kinsella Inc., Hazard & Siegel, Omega, Inc, Athletic Republic, Big Rapids Products, and the Pressroom Pub. Without your contributions none of this would have been possible!

Thank you to Pro Kettlebell, Hotspot and all those individuals who helped out by lending us their kettlebells.

And finally, thank you to the dozens of volunteers who stepped in, stepped up, and gave their time, energy, and heart to this championship. Without your support, none of this would have been possible.

As we now begin to slow down and allow our thoughts and memories to wander, it is time for myself and my committee to take the off-ramp for a short period of rest, recovery, and reflection before deciding what comes next.

But make no mistake:

This is not goodbye... This is not the end... We are not finished!

We will reemerge stronger, inspired by the momentum and collective enthusiasm that continue to drive kettlebell sport forward around the world.

WE WILL, BE BACK!

What that looks like is still to be determined, but the fire burns hotter than ever.

Thank you all, God bless and safe travels wherever they may take you!

Brent Morehouse
President IKMF Syracuse 2026 Organizing Committee