Olympic weightlifting

Olympic weightlifting is a competitive strength sport. Athletes strive to lift a heavy barbell from the ground to an overhead position. The goal is to successfully lift the heaviest weight possible. While many strength sports test pure strength, Olympic weightlifting also tests human power. This is often called explosive strength. The lifts are executed very quickly. They also require significant mobility. This means athletes must move through a large range of motion.

There are two specific ways to lift the barbell overhead. These are known as the "Olympic lifts." The first is the snatch. In a snatch, the athlete uses a wide grip on the barbell. They pull the weight off the floor and move it overhead in one fluid motion. This requires the lifter to rapidly bend their knees to get under the bar. They usually end in a deep overhead squat position. The snatch demands very precise balance to remain steady.

The second way is the clean and jerk. This is a combination lift performed in two distinct stages. First, the athlete performs the clean. They take a shoulder-width grip and pull the bar from the floor. They then bend their knees and arms to catch the bar on their shoulders. This position is called the front rack. After rising to a standing position, they perform the jerk. The lifter jumps into a bent-knee position, often using a technique called the split jerk. They then push the barbell overhead and straighten their legs.

Historically, the sport has changed many times. In the early Olympic Games, such as 1896 in Athens, there were one-hand and two-hand competitions. Weightlifting has been a part of every Summer Olympic Games since 1920. For many years, a third lift existed called the clean and press. This was used from 1924 through 1972. In this lift, the athlete cleaned the bar and then pressed it overhead. However, it was difficult for judges to monitor proper form. Some athletes used their hips to help the press. They also leaned back too far, which was called "excessive layback." Because of these judging difficulties, the clean and press was discontinued after 1972.

To ensure fairness, athletes compete in specific weight classes. These divisions are determined by the athlete's body mass. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) manages these classes. For the 2025-2026 period, men's classes range from 60 kg to over 110 kg. Women's classes range from 48 kg to over 86 kg. The IWF will introduce new weight classes starting August 1, 2026. These new classes will be used at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. For example, the new men's classes will include 65 kg, 75 kg, and 85 kg.

During an official competition, specific procedures are followed. Each lifter receives three attempts at the snatch and three attempts at the clean and jerk. The snatch event always happens first. The barbell is loaded in 1-kilogram increments. A team of judges, including a head referee, watches every lift. They look for successful or failed attempts based on strict rules. They use a lighting system to show the results. A white light means the lift was successful. A red light means the lift failed. If an athlete fails to complete at least one of each lift, they receive an "incomplete" entry.

Weightlifting connects to many other areas of physical training. Elite athletes in various sports use Olympic lifts to build functional strength. They use variations like the power snatch or power clean. These movements help develop explosive power. At local competitions, a "Best Lifter" title may be awarded. This title is not just for the heaviest person. It uses a mathematical tool called the Sinclair coefficient. This coefficient allows judges to compare lifters of different genders and bodyweights fairly. It ensures that a lighter lifter can be recognized for lifting weight relative to their own size.