Weightlifting

Weightlifting dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and China, where strength was a symbol of honor.

It became a modern sport in the late 19th century and debuted in the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Weightlifting requires athletes to lift a barbell loaded with weighted plates from the ground to overhead. This often weighs more than their bodyweight and tests power, strength and technique.

Victory is achieved by lifting the highest combined weight from a successful attempt at two lifts – the ‘snatch’ and ‘clean & jerk’.