Florida Weightlifting Federation

(LWC #14)

The only form of weightlifting recognized in the Olympic Games, “Weightlifting” (not to be confused with “weight” - “lifting”, which is the simple act of exercising with weights) is a sport in which a barbell is lifted competitively by an athlete. The two main events are (1) the Snatch, in which the barbell is lifted from the floor to arm's length overhead in a single, continuous motion; and (2) the Clean and Jerk, in which it is lifted first to the shoulders and then, after a pause, to arm's length overhead.  

Each athlete has 3 attempts in each event to successfully lift as much as they can.  The highest in the Snatch and the Clean & Jerk are added for a “total”, which determines the winner.  What many people may not know about Olympic Weightlifting is that the athlete is also judged on technique, not just strength.  Thus, if a barbell is not lifted overhead with proper form, the athlete is not credited with the lift. 

Strength, flexibility, explosiveness, balance, and proper technique defines the movements of this sport.  Weightlifting consists of both Men and Women, with weight categories and barbell amount measured in kilograms (1 kilogram = 2.2lbs.).  The origins of modern competition are to be found in 18th- and 19th-century strongman contests. The first three Olympic Games (1896, 1900, 1904) included weight lifting, as have all games after 1920.  Currently, weight categories are:

Women - 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg, 69kg, 75kg, 75+kg

Men - 56kg, 62kg, 69kg, 77kg, 85kg, 94kg, 105kg, 105kg

 There are modified categories which exist only in youth age divisions and are used to develop and encourage involvement in the sport.