Olympicstyle

Olympicstyle is a descriptive term used to denote competition formats and rules that align with those used in the Olympic Games. It is not an official sport name, but a label applied in coaching materials, journalism, and federation communications to contrast Olympic-standard competition with traditional or regional variants.

Governance and rules: Olympic-style sports are governed by the sport's international federation (IF), with recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They employ standardized competition formats, scoring systems, equipment, and anti-doping procedures, and typically follow a global calendar that culminates in the Olympic Games.

Examples and scope: In wrestling, "Olympic-style" refers to freestyle and Greco-Roman rules as recognised by the Olympics, distinguishing them from non-Olympic formats such as folkstyle used in American schools and colleges. In weightlifting, the term aligns with the two Olympic lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Similar distinctions exist in other sports with multiple disciplines, though the exact phrase is less common outside wrestling and weightlifting.

Usage and implications: The label signals adherence to international federation standards and emphasizes eligibility for Olympic competition. It is often used to describe training regimens, qualification pathways, and competition circuits intended to mirror or prepare athletes for Olympic events.