News

The First IWF Online Youth World Cup has successfully concluded, with an online closing ceremony marking the end of eight days of competition. Hosted by the Peruvian Weightlifting Federation, together with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and the Peruvian Institute for Sport, the competition gathered 400 athletes from 60 IWF Member Federations. A total of 60 medals were shared by athletes from 26 IWF Member Federations.

“The pandemic may have made it impossible to host full international competitions in weightlifting for the time being, but that hasn’t stopped the IWF from delivering for the next generation of weightlifters,” said Interim IWF President Dr Michael Irani. “Today’s youth athletes are tomorrow’s world champions and Olympians, and the IWF has been working hard to ensure they will have the opportunity to serve as the foundation of a bright future for our sport.”

The IWF Online Youth World Cup closely replicated in-person competitions, with weightlifters around the world competing in real time against each other. Depending on their location, many weightlifters found themselves competing at challenging times of the day. But all welcomed the opportunity to test themselves against each other. The Peruvian hosts topped the medal table, with traditionally-strong IWF Member Federations being joined in the medals by relative newcomers.

“Wherever they were competing, from national training centres to their back gardens, from local gyms to the streets, the participants in this first IWF Online Youth World Cup all showed great spirit,” continued Interim President Irani. “We know there is no substitute for live competition, as young athletes gain the experience needed to enable them to give their best on the biggest stages.

“Stepping up to the platform to go head-to-head with the world’s best is an irreplaceable experience and I am delighted we were able to provide it thanks to the Peruvian Weightlifting Federation, the Peruvian institute of Sport and a long list of partners and supporters.”

“The pandemic has shown us the importance of embracing new technology to bring people together, and the IWF will continue to embrace these lessons in the future. There are clear benefits in terms of engagement and sustainability, and the IWF will also continue to encourage its Member Federations to provide opportunities to compete online.”

Competition footage can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/user/IWFmedia