News

As scheduled, prior to the Junior World Championships the IWF Executive Board sat down to discuss the topical issues of the sport of weightlifting. The meeting took place on 9th May in Antigua Guatemala.

The Board – among other matters – heard and approved reports from the Continental Federations, two of which – the Pan-American and the European – recently had elections and their Olympic Qualification Championships.

The three Committees summarized their work and made valuable recommendations to the Board. The most significant is an addition to the IWF Competition and Technical Rules which the Executive Board approved with immediate effect. The IWF reacted swiftly and positively to the inquiry of an American athlete and his Federation regarding the use of prosthetic limbs in competition. Upon recommendation by the Technical Committee, the IWF decided to allow the use of such prosthesis provided the athlete weighs in together with it and it is not powered by any additional means or device. By including this passage into its rules, the IWF once again demonstrates its inclusive approach towards competition and athletes.

Reports were heard about the anti-doping control status with special regard to the Olympic provisions and pre-Olympic testing plans.

The Board approved the applications of National, Regional and Continental Federations for funds from the IWF Development Program.

Furthermore the Board heard the Financial Report for 201, acknowledged the KPMG Auditors’ Report and took some strategic decisions for the financial management of the IWF for the future.

It also stated with satisfaction that the IWF Secretariat had made effective steps towards the enhancement of visibility of the IWF in the international media with a view to opening ways for new marketing possibilities and partnerships.

Finally, the Board took note of the Olympic Qualification Status and decided that the IWF Constitution Modification Congress will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in the second week of December 2012.