Weightlifting

There are weightlifting events for men and women. Each weightlifter must compete in two events, the snatch and the clean-and-jerk. In both events the aim is to lift the heaviest weight above the head and hold it for two seconds.

In the snatch, the lifter bends down and lifts the bar from the floor to over his head in one smooth move. He or she must hold the bar over the head for two seconds.

In the clean-and-jerk, the lifter brings the bar up to the shoulders and then jerks the bar over the head, using the strength of his or her arms and legs. Holding legs together, the lifter must hold the bar over the head for two seconds.

photograph © [2007] Jupiterimages Corporation

Lifters can try each lift up to three times. If a lift goes well, more weight is added for the next try. The weights are flat discs that are added to each end of a metal bar.

There are fifteen classes of weightlifter events according to the weight of the lifters. There are eight weight classes for men and seven for women. The lightest weightlifters, weighing 52 kilograms, compete in the Flyweight class. The heaviest lifters compete in the Super Heavyweight class. They weigh over 110 kilograms.

Go here for a gallery of pictures about weightlifting events.

Go here to read about weightlifting at the Olympic Games London 2012 : http://www.london2012.com/weightlifting

Read here an Australian Weightlifting Federation Inc Fact Sheet


If you use any part of this in your own work, acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
Thomas, R. & Sydenham, S. Weightlifting [Online] www.kidcyber.com.au(2002).

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If you use any part of this in your own work, acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
Thomas, Ron. & Sydenham, Shirley. Equestrian. [On-line] www.kidcyber.com.au (2011)

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