tõstjad

Tõstjad is the Estonian word for weightlifters. It refers to athletes who participate in the sport of weightlifting, which involves lifting the heaviest possible weight in two specific movements: the snatch and the clean and jerk. This discipline is a core part of the Olympic Games and requires immense strength, speed, technique, and coordination.

In Estonia, weightlifting has a dedicated following and has produced several notable athletes throughout its sporting history. The sport is governed by national federations that organize competitions and promote the development of the sport within the country. Training for weightlifting is rigorous, focusing on developing power and perfecting the complex movements involved.

The snatch involves lifting the barbell from the floor to an overhead position in a single, continuous motion. The clean and jerk is a two-part lift. First, the barbell is lifted from the floor to the shoulders (the clean), and then it is driven overhead to arm's length (the jerk). Athletes compete in various weight classes, ensuring fair competition among individuals of similar body mass. The goal is to achieve the highest combined total weight in both lifts.