News

WADA Statement on Meldonium Notice

WADA issued Notice to Stakeholders regarding MELDONIUM The Notice provides clarification regarding its inclusion on the Prohibited List; existing excretion studies and those underway; and, the results management and adjudication process It reinforces the principle of strict liability for athletes under the World Anti-Doping Code; and, the assessment of fault under the Code that is the duty of the robust Results Management and Adjudication process You can find the Notice here. If you wish to know more, go to WADA website. (Source:

Successful Test Event concluded in Rio

The South American Championships provided the base of the Aquece Rio Test Event, with the participation of Germany, Thailand and the USA as well. Tested elements on Olympic level focused on the Field of Play and its operation, including ITOs, NTOs, Workforce, Sports Specific Volunteers; Technical and Information System (Results) and Sports Presentation. The competition was held in Carioca 1 (Basketball venue for the Games) while Training in Carioca 2 (Judo / Wrestling venue for the Games) in order to avoid temporary installations (spectators’ tribune, offices, functional rooms, etc.) in Riocentro, the Weightlifting venue for the Games. All 98 athletes from 13 countries participated had excellent conditions to participate at their best, proved by Almir Velagic (GER) winning in +105kg with a personal record (241kg) providing a worthy finish of the Test Event. The home favorite, Fernando Reis had to withdraw after a small injury in Snatch not to risk the Olympic dreams. Aquece Rio was attended by the newly appointed Sports Minister of Brazil, Ricardo Leyser and Rio2016 senior officials, Agberto Giumaraes, Executive Director for Sports and Rodrigo Garcia, Sports Director among others. Congratulations to Pedro Meloni, Weightlifting Manager and his Team and to Jose Quinones, President of South American Confederation. Results Rio 2016 Photos: Aquece Rio

IWF Anti-Doping Seminar in Forde

On the eve of the 2016 Olympic Qualification European Championships in Forde, Norway, a highly successful Anti-Doping Seminar was held in cooperation between the IWF and the European Federation. The lecturer, Dr. Éva Nyírfa, IWF Junior Legal Counsel spoke in front of a record audience of officials, coaches and other weightlifting experts of over 50 people from more than 40 European

President impressed by European Qualifyer’s preparations in Norway

IWF President Dr. Tamás Aján paid a visit today to the competition venue of the upcoming European Championships, Olympic Qualification Event in Forde, Norway and said that 3 days short of the start he was impressed by the advanced status of the preparations. "My friend, Stian Grimseth, whom I consider a role model for Norwegian and European weightlifting is doing a fine job here as host and Organising Committee head," the President said in an interview to Norwegian N2 Television Channel. For a town as small as Forde (11,000 inhabitants) it is an amazing task and great achievement to stage such a big and important event as this EC, but I am confident that they will be successful. I like the design of the round stage and the whole hall has a wonderful atmosphere. I am looking forward to great competitions here." - Dr. Aján

Technical Seminar for Rio 2016 NTOs

Just before 'Aquece Rio', weightlifting Test Event for Rio2016, the IWF Vice President and Chairman of the Technical Committee Sam Coffa had a full day lecture to approximately 10 Brazilian National Technical Officials. He covered widely Rules and responsibilities of each function (Referee, Jury, Technical Controller and Timekeeper etc.), weigh-in and incorrect movements. The seminar was interactive; participants not only raised questions but also gave hints to the IWF Technical Committee for the future modification of the TCRR. Competitions of the Test Event will start on 7 April. Source: Reiko

Celebrating 120 years of modern Olympic Games

Today marks the 120th anniversary of the modern Olympic Games which were staged in Athens in 1896. Only 14 countries participated in the original tournament and there were 9 sports (43 disciplines) including weightlifting. It was officially called the Games of the I Olympiad and took place in Athens' Panathenaic Stadium. The most successful competitor was the German Carl Schuhmann, who won the title in wrestling and gymnastics while becoming third in weightlifting. At the time, not gold but silver medal was awarded to the