Weightlifting, is a sport in which participants attempt a maximum weight single lift of a barbell loaded with weight plates. Weightlifting requires a combination of power (strength and speed), technique, flexibility and consistency. Weightlifting is a full body activity including even the minor muscles. Weightlifters need not necessarily be heavy, as they compete by weight classes.
The two lifts currently competed are the clean and jerk and the snatch.
Snatch
The snatch is a lift where the barbell, or bar, is pulled directly from the platform to the full extent of the arms above the head in one continuous motion.
Clean-and-jerk
The clean-and-jerk consists of two separate movements. The clean involves pulling the bar from the floor to the shoulders while simultaneously dropping into a squat, then standing upright. Once steady the lifter bends the legs, then forces them apart while raising the bar to the full stretch of the arms vertically. They must then bring their feet together and await the referee's signal.
Competition
The competitive sport is controlled by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). Based in Budapest, it was founded in 1905.
Competitors compete in one of eight (seven for women) divisions determined by their body mass. These classes are currently: men's: 56 kg (123 lb), 62 kg (137 lb), 69 kg (152 lb), 77 kg (170 lb), 85 kg (187 lb), 94 kg (207 lb), 105 kg (231 lb), and over 105 kg; and women's: 48 kg (106 lb), 53 kg (117 lb), 58 kg (128 lb), 63 kg (139 lb), 69 kg (152 lb), 75 kg (165 lb), and over 75 kg. In each weight division, competitors compete in both the snatch and clean and jerk, and prizes are usually given for the heaviest weights lifted in the snatch, clean and jerk, and the two combined.
The order of the competition is up to the lifters—the competitor who chooses to attempt the lowest weight goes first. If they are unsuccessful at that weight, they have the option of reattempting that lift or trying a heavier weight later (after any other competitors have made attempts at that weight or any intermediate weights). Weights are set in 1 kilogram increments (previously 2.5 kg increments), and each lifter can have a maximum of three lifts, regardless of whether lifts are successful or not.
The award is based on the lifters' Sinclair Coefficients, which calculate strength-to-weight ratio of the lifters. Typically, the winner of the heaviest weight class will have lifted the most weight, but a lifter in a lighter weight class will have lifted more in proportion to his bodyweight.
Scoring
Each athlete has three attempts at the snatch, and three attempts at the clean-and-jerk attempting to make as heavy a lift as possible. The best weights in each discipline are then combined to give a total score. If two lifters finish with the same total, the one with the lower body weight places higher.
Other rules
- An incomplete attempt that reaches knee height is declared no lift.
- Any excess grease or lubricant on the lifter's thighs must be removed while the clock is ticking.
- Only the feet may come into contact with the platform at any time.
- Once a referee has given permission to lower the bar, the lifter must not release their grip until after the weight is below waist height.
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