American Weightlifting was founded with one simple goal in mind: to re-establish the United States as a dominating power in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting.
In the early 20th century America was the dominant power in the sport, reigning as both World and Olympic Champions in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. In fact in 1958 there were over 10,000 spectators at Madison Square Garden to watch the World Championships.
However, since 1960 other countries have dominated the sport of Olympic Weightlifting. Currently China is the world leader in the sport, with other powerhouses such as Bulgaria and Russia constantly producing top athletes. In fact the United States has not medaled in the sport since 1960. American Weightlifting aims to change that…
American Weightlifting brought the greatest coach in the history of the sport, and several top lifters from Bulgaria to plant the seeds for the renaissance of Olympic Weightlifting in the United States.
What is Olympic Weightlifting
Did you know that the sport of Olympic Weightlifting is one of the most popular sports worldwide! Additionally Olympic Weightlifters are considered the strongest men and women in the world! Lifting gracefully over 400 pounds in the Snatch and 500 pounds in the Clean & Jerk!
The sport is a competition in two types of lifts: the Snatch, in which competitors must lift the barbell over their heads from the floor in one continuous movement; and the Clean & Jerk, where competitors first "clean" the barbell from the floor to an intermediate position, "racking" the bar on the front of their shoulders, then "jerking" the barbell to a position above their head. Each lifter must compete in both lifts. The winner of a competition is determined by the total weight of his or her best Snatch, and best Clean & Jerk in the competition.
Competitors compete in body-weight classes similar in concept to wrestlers and boxers.
Did you know that the sport of Olympic Weightlifting is one of the most popular sports worldwide! Additionally Olympic Weightlifters are considered the strongest men and women in the world! Lifting gracefully over 400 pounds in the Snatch and 500 pounds in the Clean & Jerk!