WEIGHTLIFTING MEETS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
USA Weightlifting is on the rise. With over 1500 lifters registering for the 2018 AO Series III in Las Vegas, NV, USA Weightlifting has clocked in the largest weightlifting competition in US history. Sanctioned meets like the AO Series are a slightly stressful but also exciting way to show off your abilities.
MEET PROCEDURE
Athletes compete in a division determined by their body mass. In Summer of 2018, the IWF approved the current weight categories. USA Weightlifting also follows these weight categories.
Men's weight classes:
55 kg (121 lb)
61 kg (134 lb)
67 kg (148 lb)
73 kg (161 lb)
81 kg (179 lb)
89 kg (196 lb)
96 kg (212 lb)
102 kg (225 lb)
109 kg (240 lb)
109 kg and over (240 lb+)
Women's weight classes:
45 kg (99.2 lb)
49 kg (108 lb)
55 kg (121 lb)
59 kg (130 lb)
64 kg (141 lb)
71 kg (157 lb)
76 kg (168 lb)
81 kg (179 lb)
87 kg (192 lb)
87 kg and over (191 lb+)
In each weight division, lifters are given 3 attempts in both the snatch and clean and jerk, totalling 6 lifts. Prizes are usually given for the heaviest weights lifted in each and in the overall total—the maximum lifts of the snatch and clean & jerk combined. Weights are measured in kilograms.
During competition, the snatch event takes place first, followed by a short intermission, and then the clean and jerk event. There are two side judges and one head referee who together provide a "successful" or "failed" result for each attempt based on their observation of the lift within the governing body's rules and regulations.
CHECKLIST
singlet
thumb tape
water bottle
electrolytes
lifting shoes
PREPARING FOR A WEIGHTLIFTING COMPETITION
https://www.catalystathletics.com/article/1982/Why-You-Should-Compete-in-Weightlifting/
Upcoming Meets
2023
06/24-07/02 USA Nationals, Colorado Springs
07/22-23 Mavrik Summer Classic, Costa Mesa
08/11-13 Summertime in the LBwC,
Long Beach
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USA WEIGHTLIFTING COMPETITION HIERARCHY
Local Weightlifting Event (usu. no barrier to entry—find meets near you)
American Open Series I/II/III (low barrier to entry— see qualifying totals)
American Open Finals (medium barrier to entry— see qualifying totals)
American National Championships (high barrier to entry— see qualifying totals)