Weightlifting
Weightlifting first started in the so-called Dark Ages of the human history. It was usually done by the strongest men in villages all over Europe. It was considered to be a sport for the lower classes, however since then it has changed into the sport for other people as well. It has been in the Olympic Games since 1896.
![]() Weightlifting pictogram | |
Highest governing body | International Weightlifting Federation |
---|---|
First developed | Ancient Greece |
Characteristics | |
Contact | No |
Mixed sex | No |
Type | Strength sport |
Equipment | Barbells, weight plates, collars, chalk, tape, shoes, belt |
Presence | |
Country or region | Worldwide |
Olympic | Men: 1896, 1904, 1920–present; Women: 2000–present |
Competition events in Olympic weightlifting change
As a competitive sport, Weightlifting is controlled by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). Based in Budapest, it was founded in 1905.
Snatch change
The snatch is one of the two olympic weightlifting events. The essence of the event is to lift a barbell from the platform to locked arms overhead in a smooth continuous movement. The lift requires not only great strength, but mastery of technical skills, a high degree of shoulder flexibility, excellent balance, and speed.
Clean and jerk change
The clean and jerk is another olympic weightlifting events. It is a highly technical lift that is known as "the king of lifts" because more weight can be lifted above one's head as compared to any other known weightlifting technique.
Related pages change
Other websites change
- Media related to Olympic weightlifting at Wikimedia Commons
- International Weightlifting Federation