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USA Weightlifting Statement on Recent Government Action

Some questions have arisen about the recent executive order regarding immigration that was issued by President Donald Trump on Friday. USA Weightlifting will host the 2017 IWF Weightlifting World Championships later this year in Anaheim, Calif. Press inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or [email protected]. The following statement is from Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Weightlifting: "Our view is that politics and sport should be separate. Weightlifting provides an excellent opportunity to interact with our fellow nations from all parts of the planet in a peaceful and cooperative fashion. At this time, we are still working out what impacts beyond the initial 90 day period that this issue may have, both on Iran's participation in the World Championships in Anaheim, CA, and on our own team's participation in the Fajr Cup in the Islamic Republic of Iran. We sincerely hope to peacefully welcome these 7 nations to Anaheim this November. It is unimaginable to be able to host a true World event without their participation." The U.S. Olympic Committee provided its own update about the situation Monday. Attributable to United States Olympic Committee Chairman Larry Probst and USOC CEO Scott Blackmun: “We have received a number of inquiries about the executive order regarding immigration that was issued by President Trump on Friday. Like the United States, the Olympic Movement was founded based upon principles of diversity and inclusion, of opportunity and overcoming adversity. As the steward of the Olympic Movement in the United States, we embrace those values. We also acknowledge the difficult task of providing for the safety and security of a nation. It is our sincere hope that the executive order as implemented will appropriately recognize the values on which our nation, as well as the Olympic Movement, were founded. “We have been specifically asked about the impact that the executive order could have on athletes and officials coming to the United States to compete. Recognizing the extraordinary power of international sport to bring people together in a peaceful celebration of friendship, excellence and respect, the U.S. government has today advised us that it will work with us to ensure that athletes and officials from all countries will have expedited access to the United States in order to participate in international athletic competitions. “We appreciate your support and patience.” The IWF is closely monitoring the situation and will proceed to a Technical Visit in Anaheim later this month. In close cooparation with USA Weightlifting, the aim is to clarify the situation, inform the Membership and working on the smooth organization of the 2017 IWF World Championships that would not affect the

Olympic Champion René Duverger was born 106 years ago

He started his career as a football player until he switched his interest to weightlifting at the age of 16. René Duverger was among the alltogether 10 French Olympic Champions. He was born 106 years ago on January 30th, was 164cm tall but compared to his stature - still a very strong character. By the age of 19, he became an internationally recognized weightlifter, who won a silver medal in 1930 at the European Championships. His biggest achievement was a Olympic Gold Medal at the Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games in the men’s 67,5 kg category. Later he won silver and bronze medals at the European Championships; and he finished seventh at the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games. Mr. Duverger became the best at the French Championships between 1930 and 1945 ten times. After retirement he was the General Secretary of the French Weightlifting Federation and continued to inspire the youth in getting engaged with weightlifting. He passed away at the age of

Updated Sinclair Coefficients available

The updated Sinclair Coefficients for 2017 – 2020 are available here. Considering the contradiction following the abolishment of the bodyweight advantage, the IWF is investigating an alternative system that could provide a more objective solution to compare athletes’ results in the different bodyweight

One more day!

Who is your favorite one? Last day to cast your vote on the "Jenő Boskovics Lifter of the Year Trophies for 2016”. You can submit your vote in the following link.  Good

Zhabotinsky the strongest Ukrainian was born 79 years ago

Leonid Ivanovych Zhabotinsky who was born on the 28 January 1938 and died on 14 January 2016, was one of the biggest characters in weightlifting. He has achieved his biggest accomplishments under the Soviet Union flag. The outstanding giant weightlifter born in Uspenka received two Olympic Gold Medals and set World Records another 19 times between 1963 and 1974. He started his weightlifting career in 1957 at the Ukrainian Championships and after retirement he continued as a coach in Madagascar. Zhabotinsky was an idol and example for the young Arnold Schwarzenegger as well. The 194cm tall, 163kg weightlifter was the flagbearer for the Soviet Union Team at the Mexico 1968 Olympic Games. He had outstanding results from the World Championships as well; four times World Champions, two times European Champions. As a professional recognition until today he is the greatest and strongest weightlifter in the Ukraine

RFWF President meeting with IWF President

Maxim Agapitov, President of the Russian Weightlifting Federation (RFWF) paid a visit to Budapest in order to have discussion with Dr. Tamas Ajan, President. They addressed relevant topics of the future of weightlifting. Dr. Ajan was informed that the RFWF withdrew the appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision taken by the IWF Executive Board on 22 June 2016 in Tbilisi, Georgia. Read more on