Ontario Weightlifting Bodyweight Categories (2026 Update)

 

Ontario Weightlifting Association (OWA) competitions follow the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Technical and Competition Rules (TCR), including the updated bodyweight categories effective in Ontario on April 1, 2026.

​

To better support athlete development, particularly for younger and lighter athletes, the OWA also recognises additional Juvenile/Youth developmental categories that extend below the IWF classes.

​

Juvenile/Youth Developmental Categories

These categories are OWA-specific and are designed to provide appropriate competitive opportunities for athletes who fall below the IWF Youth entry weights.

​

Female

​

• 35 kg

• 40 kg

• (IWF Youth)  45 kg

​

Male

​

• 45 kg

• 49 kg

• 55 kg (IWF Youth)

​

Note: The IWF does not define “Juvenile” categories. These are OWA-recognized developmental classes that bridge into the IWF Youth structure.

​

Ontario / IWF Senior & Junior Categories (Effective August 1, 2026)

These categories are used for Junior, Senior, and most Ontario competitions.

​

Female

​

• 49 kg

• 53 kg

• 57 kg

• 61 kg

• 69 kg

• 77 kg

• 86 kg

• +86 kg

 

Male

​

• 60 kg

• 65 kg

• 70 kg

• 75 kg

• 85 kg

• 95 kg

• 110 kg

• +110 kg