News

Birthdays every four years

Igor Ivanovich Nikitin is one of the best in weightlifting history, however not only his achievements made him an outstanding personality of the sport. The Russian champion is the only Olympic Silver medallist who can celebrate his birthday only in every four years.  With that said, he born exactly 65 years ago, in a leap year on February 29th. Today is the last day of the month but 2017 is not a leap year; therefore Nikitin officially cannot celebrate his birthday this year. We still would like to wish him a very Happy Birthday!! He started to practise weightlifting at the age of 18 after his official military service in the Soviet army in 1970.  He became a member of the weightlifting team in 1977 and after winning the Silver Medal at the European Championships in 1978, he won the Olympic and World Championships Silver medals as well. In his own bodyweight category he set 5 world records (three in snatch, two in total) till his 1984 retirement year. Between 1994 and 1998 he was the coach for the Russian Team and leaded the team to the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. Out of the team two athletes, Aleksey Petrov  (91kg bodyweight category) and Andrey Chemerkin (+108kg bodyweight category) became Olympic Champions.

Charles Vinci was born 84 years ago

Charles Robert Vinci Jr was born 84 years ago on February 28th, 1933. He is the last US Olympic Champion who won the Gold Medal. One of the best lifters of all times won first time at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games then at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games in men’s bantamweight of 56 kg category.  Born in Cleveland in the second half of the 50’s, he became Pan-American Champion. He won two Silver Medals at the World Championships (1955, 1958) and set 12 world records. Hence, between 1954 and 1961 he earned several titles as Champion of the United States – only exception was the year of 1957. He started to practise weightlifting at the age of 12 and had hope for victory at his 3rd Olympic Games but during his exercise he had an unfortunate accident that put an immediate stop to his sport career. However he never stopped practising even after his heart bypass surgery. His daily motivation was: „Go to bed early. Get up early to train. Go to

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