Olympicløft

Olympicløft, or Olympic lifts, refers to the two main competitive lifts in Olympic weightlifting: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Both lifts are performed with a barbell from the floor to an overhead position and demand a combination of strength, speed, mobility, and technique. In most competitions, lifters have three attempts in each lift, and the best successful attempts are combined to form a total score.

Snatch: In the snatch, the bar is lifted from the floor to overhead in one continuous motion, usually with a wide grip. The lifter catches the bar with arms fully extended and then stands up to complete the lift. The movement emphasizes speed, bar path control, and a stable overhead position.

Clean and jerk: The clean brings the bar to the shoulders, typically in a front rack position, and the jerk raises the bar overhead in one or two movements. The jerk can be performed with a split or squat technique. This lift requires precise timing between the clean and the jerk and a strong lockout overhead.

Training and equipment: Olympic lifting prioritizes technique, mobility, and building explosive strength. Training often includes progression drills, accessory lifts, and practice with increasing loads. Standard equipment includes a barbell, bumper plates, a lifting platform, chalk, weightlifting shoes, a lifting belt, and collars.

History and status: The Olympicløft developed within modern weightlifting and became central to the sport. The two lifts have long been contested in major competitions and are the core events of Olympic weightlifting in most countries. See also weightlifting, snatch, clean and jerk.