Weightlifting

One of the original nine sports at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, Weightlifting has been contested at every Games since 1920 and welcomed women into the competition in 2000. Olympic Weightlifting is the ultimate test of power, technique, grit and pure strength, seeing athletes lift a barbell loaded with weight in two different movements: the snatch and the clean and jerk. In the snatch, athletes grip and pull the barbell in a single movement from the platform to full extension overhead, while either splitting or bending their legs. In the clean and jerk, athletes grip and pull the barbell in a single movement from the platform to their shoulders, while either splitting or bending their legs. The athlete then dynamically extends their legs and arms simultaneously to propel the barbell to full extension overhead. Lifts are completed when the athlete becomes motionless. Each lift is executed three times, with the sum of the two best lifts determining their overall score. The sport demands explosive power, total-body coordination and impressive technique, providing an awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping display for spectators.