Weightlifting

Weightlifting is an athletic discipline that involves lifting a barbell loaded with weight plates. It requires a blend of power, speed, technique, and coordination, making it a highly competitive and physically demanding sport. The two main categories in weightlifting are the snatch and the clean and jerk, each requiring different skills and techniques.

In weightlifting, athletes compete in weight classes to ensure fairness. It not only tests physical strength, but also strategic planning as athletes must decide how much weight to attempt in each lift.

Snatch

• Speed and Technique: This is a single-movement lift where the athlete lifts the barbell from the floor to overhead in one continuous motion. It requires speed, flexibility, and coordination.

Clean and Jerk

• Strength and Power: This is a two-movement lift. The athlete first lifts the barbell to the shoulders (the clean), and then propels it overhead (the jerk). It requires great strength and power.

Training

• Preparation: Intense training is a crucial part of weightlifting. This includes not only lifting weights, but also cardiovascular exercises, flexibility training, and mental preparation.

Weight Classes

• Fair Competition: Athletes compete in specific weight classes to ensure fairness. The weight classes are determined by the athlete's body weight.

Equipment

• Essential Gear: The main equipment used in weightlifting includes a barbell, weight plates, lifting platform, weightlifting shoes, and a weightlifting belt.

• Weightlifting is a part of the Olympic Games, where athletes compete in both the snatch and clean and jerk categories.
• There are also world championships organized by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), as well as regional and national competitions.

International Weightlifting Federation: Provides information on the sport, its history, rules, and competitions. https://www.iwf.net/

Olympic.org Weightlifting: Offers details on the sport's inclusion in the Olympic Games, its rules, and past competitions. https://www.olympic.org/weightlifting