Weightlifting, also called Olympic-style weightlifting or Olympic weightlifting, is the only barbell sport in the Olympic programme. The two competition lifts are the snatch and the clean and jerk. Competitors are divided by weight class and gender and the one who lifts the most weight when the results of each lift are added together is the winner of each category.

Weightlifting is a technical, strength/power sport which requires excellent coordination, flexibility, balance, speed and of course strength. It should not be confused with more generalised weight training or with the sports of powerlifting or bodybuilding.

To learn more about competitive weightlifting, please use the following links:

https://www.bcweightlifting.ca/about-weightlifting/

http://www.iwf.net/weightlifting_/history/

For information on the sport in Ireland and to find out about upcoming competitions please go to the weightlifting Ireland website.