Here's our guide to the sport.

The sport
There are two types of lifting technique - snatch and clean-and-jerk.

For both lifts, competitors lift long metal bars with metal weights attached at either end.

Most of the power required for weightlifting comes from the back, rather than the arms and legs.

And we're talking serious power - lifters can carry as much as three times their own body weight!

Getting started
You can start weightlifting from as young as eight. But don't worry - you won't be expected to lift any heavy weights!

For young people, the sport is all about learning a new technique - it takes a very long time to get to the heavy stuff!

If you want to have a go, the British Amateur Weightlifting Association is the best place to find out more.

British Amateur Weightlifting Association BWLA - administration officer
Lorraine Fleming
Lilleshall National Sports Centre
Nr Newport, Shropshire
TF10 9AT
Tel: 01952 604201
Fax: 01952 606230

Team GB in Athens

Michaela Breeze Kamran Panjavi