The amount they can lift is amazing, with some lifting almost three times their own weight.

They not only have to lift the weight above their heads, but also hold it steady until three of five judges agree they have done so.

There are two ways of lifting the weights, the snatch and the clean and jerk.

In the snatch, lifters pull the weight from the ground and try to push it straight above their heads in one movement.

The clean and jerk sees lifters use two movements, with the first seeing them pull the weight from the ground and then hold it at chest height.

Then once they are comfortable at that point they try to hoist it above their head and then control it, again for the event's judges.

Who are the British hopes?
There are two British lifters in the Games, Michaela Breeze and Kamran Panjavi.

Former European bronze medallist Breeze is perhaps most likely to succeed, but both will have to be at the best to even make their finals.

Who are the big names?
One of the biggest names is one of the smallest competitors, Turkey's Halil Mutlu.

At just 1.5m tall Mutlu is the same height as some children, but is probably strong enough to lift several of them above his head.

He has already won gold twice at the Olympics and is hoping to become one of few lifters to win three titles at the Games.