Weightlifting
Introduction
Weightlifting, also known as Olympic weightlifting or simply lifting, is a sport that tests the athlete's strength, speed, and power. It is an athletic discipline in which the goal is to lift a barbell loaded with weight plates from the ground to overhead in one or two movements. The two competition lifts in order are the snatch and the clean and jerk. Each weightlifter receives three attempts in each, and the combined total of the highest two successful lifts determines the overall result within a bodyweight category.
History
Weightlifting has ancient origins, with evidence of weightlifting events dating back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece. However, it was not until the 19th century that weightlifting evolved into the sport we know today. The first modern Olympic Games in 1896 included weightlifting in the Field events. However, it was not until the 1920 Games in Antwerp that it was officially recognized as an Olympic sport.
Techniques
There are two main lifts in weightlifting: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Both lifts require the athlete to lift the barbell from the ground to overhead, but they differ in the techniques used.
Snatch
The snatch is the first of the two Olympic weightlifting events. The barbell is placed horizontally in front of the lifter's legs. It is gripped, palms downwards, and pulled in a single movement from the platform to the full extent of both arms above the head, while either splitting or bending the legs.
Clean and Jerk
The clean and jerk is a two-part lift. In the clean, the weightlifter moves the barbell from the floor to a racked position across the deltoids, without resting fully on the clavicles. The jerk is the second part of the lift, where the athlete bends at the knees and then straightens them in order to propel the barbell upwards from the shoulders to a position above the head.
Training
Training for weightlifting involves not only lifting weights but also working on technique, flexibility, and strength. Weightlifters typically train multiple times a week, focusing on different aspects of the sport.
Equipment
The main piece of equipment in weightlifting is the barbell, which consists of a bar, two collars, and weight plates. Other equipment includes weightlifting shoes, a weightlifting belt, and wrist wraps.
Competition
In a weightlifting competition, athletes compete in weight classes to lift the heaviest combined weight in the snatch and clean and jerk. Each athlete is given three attempts at each lift, and the highest successful lift in each category is added together to determine the athlete's total.