Weightlifting

Weightlifting is a sport where competitors attempt to lift heavy weights mounted on steel bars.

Weights are mounted on a steel barbell which weighs 20 kilograms for male competition and 15 for female competition. The weights themselves are rubber-coated steel discs, colour-coded for their different weights, and held in place by 2.5 kg collars. Identical weights are placed at each end of the barbell. The barbell has patterns (knurling) engraved on it to assist the lifters to get a steady grip on the bar. Competitors start with the weighted barbell placed in the middle of a 4 x 4 metre wooden floor, coated with non-slip material.