Smile-Worthy Olympic Moments

#39: You Gotta be Careful!

Weightlifting is a risky business. It’s been part of the Olympic Games for men since 1896, and more recently opened to women in 2000. Weightlifters are given three attempts to lift their weights, and the two highest lifts are combined and scored. Much like boxing, competitors are divided into weight categories.

There are seven weight divisions for both men and women, and each competes in two categories: the snatch, and the clean and jerk. The weight on the bar gradually increases throughout the competition and lifters can choose when they’ll go, but they must be careful not to attempt a weight they aren’t capable of, risking their overall score.