WEIGHTLIFTING MEETS

MEET PROCEDURE

Athletes compete in a division determined by their body mass. In Summer of 2018, the IWF approved the current weight categories. USA Weightlifting also follows these weight categories.

Men's weight classes:

  • 55 kg (121 lb)

  • 61 kg (134 lb)

  • 67 kg (148 lb)

  • 73 kg (161 lb)

  • 81 kg (179 lb)

  • 89 kg (196 lb)

  • 96 kg (212 lb)

  • 102 kg (225 lb)

  • 109 kg (240 lb)

  • 109 kg and over (240 lb+)

Women's weight classes:

  • 45 kg (99.2 lb)

  • 49 kg (108 lb)

  • 55 kg (121 lb)

  • 59 kg (130 lb)

  • 64 kg (141 lb)

  • 71 kg (157 lb)

  • 76 kg (168 lb)

  • 81 kg (179 lb)

  • 87 kg (192 lb)

  • 87 kg and over (191 lb+)

In each weight division, lifters are given 3 attempts in both the snatch and clean and jerk, totalling 6 lifts. Prizes are usually given for the heaviest weights lifted in each and in the overall total—the maximum lifts of the snatch and clean & jerk combined. Weights are measured in kilograms.

During competition, the snatch event takes place first, followed by a short intermission, and then the clean and jerk event. There are two side judges and one head referee who together provide a "successful" or "failed" result for each attempt based on their observation of the lift within the governing body's rules and regulations.

CHECKLIST

PREPARING FOR A WEIGHTLIFTING COMPETITION

https://www.catalystathletics.com/article/1982/Why-You-Should-Compete-in-Weightlifting/

 

Upcoming Meets

2026

09/05/2026 In-House Meet for Members only (@ IKON Strength)

11/21/2026 Local Meet- open to the public (@ IKON Strength)




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USA WEIGHTLIFTING COMPETITION HIERARCHY

  1. Local Weightlifting Event (usu. no barrier to entry—find meets near you)

  2. American Open Series I/II/III (low barrier to entry— see qualifying totals)

  3. American Open Finals (medium barrier to entry— see qualifying totals)

  4. American National Championships (high barrier to entry— see qualifying totals)