Olympic weightlifting competition is built around two lifts: the snatch and the clean & jerk. Athletes compete within bodyweight categories and try to produce the highest combined Total from their best successful result in each lift.
This is different from powerlifting, which uses the squat, bench press and deadlift. See our weightlifting vs. powerlifting guide for the distinction.
The Two Competition Lifts
Snatch
In the snatch, the athlete lifts the barbell from the platform to overhead in one continuous movement. The lift finishes with the bar controlled overhead and the athlete standing motionless before the referees’ down signal.
Clean & Jerk
The clean & jerk uses two linked movements. First, the bar is cleaned from the floor to the shoulders. The athlete then jerks the bar overhead and establishes control before the lift is completed.
How Many Attempts Does Each Athlete Get?
Under IWF competition rules, each athlete is allowed up to three attempts in the snatch and three attempts in the clean & jerk. That gives a maximum of six competition attempts.
The goal is not simply to make all six lifts. Athletes and coaches strategically choose attempt weights to secure a result, challenge competitors, and build the highest possible Total.
How the Total Is Calculated
The athlete’s Total is the sum of the best successful snatch and the best successful clean & jerk. The IWF clarified this definition in its updated technical rules.
A Total requires at least one successful snatch and one successful clean & jerk. Competition formats can differ in how individual-lift and Total medals are awarded, so the event’s official regulations matter.
What Happens at Weigh-In?
IWF competition flow begins with weigh-in. The weigh-in for a competition group starts two hours before the group begins and lasts one hour. The athlete’s bodyweight is recorded, and first-attempt selections are declared.
How Attempt Order Works
The barbell is loaded progressively. Generally, the athlete calling for the lowest weight is called first. Coaches can adjust declared weights within the rules, which makes attempt selection an important tactical part of the sport.
After a successful attempt, the same athlete’s next attempt must increase by at least 1 kg. Athletes normally have one minute to begin an attempt, with additional time in certain consecutive-attempt situations under the competition rules.
Bodyweight Categories Change Over Time
Weightlifting uses bodyweight categories so athletes compete against others of broadly comparable body size. These categories are periodically revised. The IWF introduced another set of bodyweight categories effective 1 August 2026, so old articles listing historical categories can become outdated quickly.
How a Lift Is Judged
Competition lifts must meet the IWF’s technical rules. Referees judge whether the movement was completed according to the standards for the snatch or clean & jerk. Small technical details matter, which is one reason competitive weightlifting requires more than simply being strong.
A Brief Historical Note
Weightlifting appeared at the first modern Olympics in 1896, but the modern two-lift format came later. The press was removed after the 1972 season, leaving the snatch and clean & jerk as the international competition lifts from 1973 onward. Women entered Olympic weightlifting at Sydney 2000.
For the fuller timeline, read our History of Olympic Weightlifting.
Sources
- International Weightlifting Federation: Competition Flow
- IWF Technical and Competition Rules & Regulations
- IWF: Updated definition of the Total
- IWF: 2026 bodyweight-category standards
Competition rules can be updated. Athletes and coaches should use the current IWF or event-specific regulations when preparing for a meet.
