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Jack Hughes, one of the sport’s oldest enthusiasts passes away

Jack Hughes (USA) passed away at the age of 96. National Champion in 1953, Jack Hughes was also very successful in powerlifting, and as a master lifter. However, he will be most remembered in our sport as a referee. He served our sport at countless national and international events over several decades. His integrity and conscience became legendary. A humble servant of the sport of weightlifting, even after stopping to be an active Technical Official, he was unable to live without the sport and attended every single Olympic Games, save the last one, and World Championships, active and eager to help still well into his nineties. A native of Akron, Ohio, Hughes lived in Los Angeles and had planned to watch the 2017 IWF World Championships in Anaheim, California later this year. Sadly enough, that will never happen. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The IWF expresses its deepest condolences to Mr. Jack Hughes' family. Source: USA Weightlifting 

Youth World Record Review

Due to the introduction of the 8th bodyweight category for Women (90 kg, +90 kg for Senior and Junior, 75 kg,+75 kg for Youth), the IWF proceeded to the review and the update of its statistical data. To settle the first Youth World Records in 2009, the Continental Weightlifting Federations were requested to send their own Continental Youth Records as point of reference. After checking all Youth Worls Records (considering results achieved with actual bodyweight referring to the new categories) in the IWF database from 1998, the list was now corrected. Access it on the IWF

Barbell Summit

The International Weightlifting Federation met with the 5 IWF Certified Sport Equipment Suppliers for a two days meeting in Budapest. While underlining common goals, all participants - committed to the promotion and development of weightlifting - renewed their traditional and mutually beneficial cooperation with the IWF. Considering the sport Calendar and upcoming events while entering the new Olympic cycle, the enhanced opportunities and increased action field were also a major topic during the summit. The high and reliable product quality was also in the focus while the comprehensive approach to being exclusive supplier at Major IWF Events remains an essential for the companies. While ensuring the protection of its long term partners, the IWF further studies potential structural mutations in order to increase further opportunities. Dr. Tamas Ajan IWF President said: “We are extremely satisfied to sign in for another Olympic term with our long standing partners. The innovative approach of these companies – working not only on product development but investing in our athletes and sport – makes us proud and willing to ensure the best cooperation possible in the future.” DHS Sales Manager Li Zhen said:   “As long term and close partner of the IWF, DHS is honoured to renew the cooperation until Tokyo 2020. We ensure to keep supplying the best quality weightlifting equipment for our world class events.” Eleiko CEO Erik Blomberg said: "Eleiko is a proud partner to the IWF for many years. We are pleased and honoured to extend our partnership for another Olympic cycle, and offer our full commitment to the IWF and the beautiful sport of weightlifting." Uesaka President Tadamasa Uesaka said: “With time changing, weightlifting is keeping up and changes very fast. We produce cutting edge products for the upcoming 4 years and not only talking about barbells – we take innovation as our mission.” Werk San President Kemal Özkül said: “Werk San is honoured to take part in this summit with all licenced companies in this beautiful city. We are thankful for the hospitality of the IWF Family and very glad to sign our agreement for the next Olympic term.” ZKC General Manager Zhang Zhiguo said: “This meeting was an excellent experience for ZKC and we are honoured to renew our contract with the IWF. The constructive discussions will bring our company to further development and ideas for the

Russ Prior passed away

Canadian Weightlifting has lost a great weightlifter. Russ Prior, 1970,1974, and 1978 Commonwealth Games Champion, 1975 Pan American Games Champion, and 1976 Olympic Bronze medalist (snatch) passed away on February 17, 2017 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Russ held many strong beliefs and values that he instilled in his students and those he coached and mentored over the years. He was a great role model and will be missed! Condolences go out to Russ' wife Barb, Scott, Heather, and Kyle and their families. Source: Moira J. Lassen, IWF Executive Board

Updated TO Examination

The IWF Technical Committee has updated the IWF Technical Officials’ Examination documents following the modification of the IWF TCRR effective since 1 Jan 2017. The documents can be found in the Download Center. IWF Technical Officials’ Examination – Questions IWF Technical Officials’ Examination –

Technical visit in Bangkok

A 2-day IWF technical visit was paid to Bangkok by Anikó Németh-Móra (Director of International Relations), Tímea Horváth (Development & Education Manager) and Mátyás Lencsér (Competition Manager). The visit had a double purpose since Bangkok is the host of two major upcoming events: both the 2017 IWF Youth World Championships, the main YOG qualification event from 3 to 10 April, and the IWF Electoral Congress, 29 to 30 May. The Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association, under the supervision of Major General Intarat Yodbangtoey (IWF Vice President), welcomed the IWF delegation in the capital city of Thailand. The group inspected and approved the venues, like the Indoor Stadium Huamark where the competition and training will be held, the YWC hotels (The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel, Hotel Alexander, Hotel Town in Town) as well as the premises of the Electoral Congress in the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel, and discussed and specified the conditions and requirements of the events concerned. In view of the vast experience of TAWA in hosting major weightlifting events and having seen the thorough and professional preparations, the IWF delegation is certain that two well-organised events are ahead in the spring of 2017 in Bangkok. “Given the great care, the professionalism and the warm hospitality of TAWA, under the leadership of President Madam Boossaba Yodbangtoey and IWF Vice President Maj.Gen. Intarat Yodbangtoey, we are sure that we shall witness outstanding Youth World Championships and a great Electoral Congress in Thailand’s capital”, said Anikó Németh-Móra,