World Weightlifting Championships
Quick Answer
The World Weightlifting Championships is an annual 3-day event organized by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) since 1891, featuring elite weightlifters competing in multiple weight categories across men's and women's divisions.
- First held in March 1891 in London with only 7 athletes
- Features 16 weight classes as of 2025 (8 men's, 8 women's categories)
- China, Soviet Union, and Bulgaria are historically the most successful nations
The World Weightlifting Championships is an annual 3-day event for weightlifting organized by the International Weightlifting Federation (IFW). The first World Weightlifting Championship was held in March 1891 in London, United Kingdom, with only 7 athletes from six countries. Edward Lawrence Levy from England won the very first World Weightlifting Championship.
The weightlifting tournaments held during the Summer Olympics from 1964 to 1984 are counted as the World Weightlifting Championships of the corresponding year.
A separate championship was added for women in 1987 and a combined event has been held for both men and women since 1991.
Weightlifting ChampionshipsIn 2021, the World Weightlifting Championships have 20 weight categories – 10 for men and 10 for women. In the men's categories, 55 kg is the lightest and +109 kg the heaviest, while the women's categories range from 45 kg to +87 kg.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) approved 16 new weight classes in 2025. In the men's categories, there are different weight classes, including 60kg, 65kg, 71kg, 79kg, 88kg, 94kg, 110kg, and 110+ kg. In the women's categories, there are also different weight classes, including 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, and 86+ kg.
Recently, the most successful countries have been China, Soviet Union and Bulgaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first World Weightlifting Championship held?
The first World Weightlifting Championship was held in March 1891 in London, United Kingdom, with only 7 athletes from six countries. Edward Lawrence Levy from England won the inaugural championship, marking the beginning of organized international weightlifting competition.
What are the weight categories in World Weightlifting Championships?
As of 2025, the IWF approved 16 weight classes. Men's categories include 60kg, 65kg, 71kg, 79kg, 88kg, 94kg, 110kg, and 110+ kg. Women's categories include 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, and 86+ kg. These categories ensure fair competition among athletes of similar body weights.
When were women included in the World Weightlifting Championships?
A separate championship for women was added in 1987, expanding the sport's inclusivity. Since 1991, combined events have been held for both men and women at the World Championships, allowing both genders to compete at the same venue during the same time period.
Which countries have been most successful at the World Weightlifting Championships?
Recently, the most successful countries have been China, Soviet Union, and Bulgaria, consistently producing medal winners across multiple weight categories. These nations have developed strong weightlifting programs and training systems that have dominated international competition for decades.
How often are the World Weightlifting Championships held?
The World Weightlifting Championships is an annual 3-day event organized by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). The competition is held every year, though from 1964 to 1984, the Olympic weightlifting tournaments served as the World Championships in those respective years.
References
- International Weightlifting Federation. (2025). "World Championships History." IWF Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.iwf.net
- Olympic Council. (2024). "Weightlifting Olympic History 1964-1984." Olympic Games Archives.
- Wood, R.J. (2016). "World Weightlifting Championship Analysis." Topend Sports.
- International Olympic Committee. (2023). "Olympic Weightlifting Records." IOC Database.
- World Sports Encyclopedia. (2025). "International Weightlifting Competition Standards." Sports Reference Publications.
Related Pages
Major Weightlifting Events
Explore other major international weightlifting competitions including continental championships and qualifying events.
Learn More →Olympic Weightlifting
Discover the history and records of weightlifting at the Summer Olympics, featuring elite athletes from around the world.
Learn More →Sport of Weightlifting
Learn about weightlifting techniques, training methods, competition rules, and the science behind this strength sport.
Learn More →
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