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What is Olympic Weightlifting?
Olympic Weightlifting is an ancient sport that consists of two disciplines: the snatch and the clean and jerk. The beauty of this sport is that it is open to everybody, so people of every shape and size are welcome, as they are able to compete in their own weight category. It is also a great way of keeping fit!
There are two competitive lifts – the snatch and the clean and jerk.
Snatch
The snatch is known as the “fastest move in the sport” because it takes under 1 second to get the bar from the platform to overhead.
Clean and Jerk
The clean and jerk is a two-part skill, but classed as one lift. Firstly, the bar is lifted and racked across the clavicle (a shelf for the bar). Secondly, as the bar is pushed up overhead, the lifter simultaneously gets under it, which demands great technique, balance, strength and most importantly, self-belief.
Correct technique is paramount. By learning how to lift correctly and safely, you will gain masses of explosive power, ground-reaction force, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, simultaneous coordination and balance in locomotion, as well as a strong back and abdominals, and posture. This sport requires physical and mental strength and eventually tactical skills. In competitions athletes are ranked in accordance with their performance.