What is weightlifting?

What Does weightlifting Mean

In order to know the meaning of the term weightlifting, it is necessary, first of all, to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can underline that it derives from Greek and that, exactly, it is the result of the sum of two lexical components of that language:

-The noun “halter”, which can be translated as “weights” and that comes from the verb “haltera” .

-The noun "edges", which is synonymous with "love" or "inclination" and which derives from the verb "philein", which means "love.

The concept of weightlifting refers to the Olympic discipline that consists of lifting weight . The metal bar that the athlete must lift, which has discs or balls at its ends, is known as a barbell .
Colloquially called weightlifting , weightlifting can be developed under two competitive forms: snatch (the athlete must lift the barbell in a single movement, without interruptions, from the ground to extend their arms over the head ) or two-beat or clean and jerk ( in this case, the movement can be interrupted when the barbell is at shoulder height). The one who can lift the most weight is the winner of the competition.

Athletes who practice weightlifting must have adequate clothing that allows them to lift heavy weights without causing any damage. Specifically, they should wear flat leather slippers, wristbands to protect the wrist joints, a lycra jersey, knee pads and a girdle, which is intended to prevent damage to the lower back area.
In the same way, it should be noted that, in addition, it is essential that they use magnesium powder to spread it on their hands and thus avoid that, due to sweat, the bar they have to lift can slip off them.
In the Olympic Games in Athens 1896 this discipline was already included . Weightlifting was also a part of Saint Louis 1904 . Then he was several editions without appearing in the Olympic event until his return in Antwerp 1920 . Since Sydney 2000 , there is a female category.
However, the origins of weightlifting are much older. It is estimated that several millennia before Christ , in the Chinese territory, exercises were already carried out to demonstrate physical strength . The Greek Milo of Crotona , on the other hand, is often noted as a pioneer in weightlifting when lifting weights in the 6th century BC. C .
It should be noted that the International Weightlifting Federation (known as IWF for its acronym in English) was founded in 1905 . This institution is in charge of decreeing and modifying the rules that govern this sport , in addition to organizing events such as the World Weightlifting Championship .

Among the most important figures in weightlifting in recent years is the Spanish Lidia Valentín, a native of León. She competes in the 75 kg category and has managed to be four-time European champion, winning the title in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018. In the same way, it should not be overlooked that she was also Olympic champion in 2012 as well as world champion in 2017 and 2018.

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