Ontario Weightlifting Association
Olympic Weightlifting
As a basic athletic activity and a natural means to measure strength and power, the lifting of weights was present in both ancient the Egyptian and Greek societies. Boosting its international importance chiefly in the 19th Century, weightlifting was among those few sports featured in the first Modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Snatch
The barbell is placed horizontally in front of the lifter’s legs. It is gripped, palms downwards and pulled in a single movement from the platform to the full extent of both arms above the head, while either splitting or bending the legs. During this continuous movement, the barbell may slide along the thighs and the lap. No part of the body other than the feet may touch the platform during the execution of the lift. The weight, which has been lifted, must be maintained in the final motionless position, arms and legs extended, the feet on the same line, until the Referees give the signal to replace the barbell on the platform. The lifter may recover in his or her own time, either from a split or a squat position, and finish with the feet on the same line, parallel to the plane of the trunk and the barbell. The Referees give the signal to lower the barbell as soon as the lifter becomes motionless in all parts of the body.
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Clean & Jerk
The first part, the Clean
The barbell is placed horizontally in front of the lifter’s legs. It is gripped, palms downwards and pulled in a single movement from the platform to the shoulders, while either splitting or bending the legs. During this continuous movement, the barbell may slide along the thighs and the lap. The barbell must not touch the chest before the final position. It then rests on the clavicles or on the chest above the nipples or on the arms fully bent. The feet return to the same line, legs straight before performing the Jerk. The lifter may make this recovery in his or her own time and finish with the feet on the same line, parallel to the plane of the trunk and the barbell.
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The second part, the Jerk
The athlete bends the legs and extends them as well as the arms to bring the barbell to the full stretch of the arms vertically extended. He or she returns the feet to the same line; arms and legs fully extended, and waits for the Referees’ signal to replace the barbell on the platform. The Referees give the signal to lower the barbell as soon as the lifter becomes motionless in all parts of the body.​
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Training
There are a number of schools of thought when it comes to training for Olympic Weightlifting but, for the most part, practicing the Snatch and Clean & Jerk (along with a variety of assistance exercises). To gain a better understanding of training for Olympic Weightlifting, consider attending one of the many coaching clinics offered throughout the year here or contact any of our registered clubs and train under a certified weightlifting coach.