Leimen, Germany. People have always been fascinated with tests of strength. As far back as ancient Egypt or antiquity, artefacts have been preserved that show people lifting weights and competing against each other. Weightlifting is a core Olympic sport and has naturally been part of the Modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896 by the Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin.
And despite this long history, changes are part and parcel of our sport. While stones were used at first, people later used barbells with interchangeable weights. Single-arm and double-arm snatches, thrusts and presses were performed. In 1976, at the Montreal Summer Olympics, medals were awarded for the first time in the combined event. In Sydney in 2000, women celebrated their long-awaited Olympic debut and in two years’ time at the Olympic Games in Paris, there will be as many women competing as men.
LET'S TAKE THE BARBELL TO THE PEOPLE
PROFESSIONALISATION THROUGH "AGENDA 2028”
Almost every other sport uses elements of weightlifting for basic training. Through cooperation with other German sports federations such as the German Athletics Association but of course also with other international federations, we want to use synergies, support each other and benefit from each other. We are aware that we still have further potential in areas such as sponsoring, marketing and promotion. We want to use this to bring the sport and the federation more into the public spotlight. Our flagships are the national team and the top level of our national league. The athletes who compete there are strong characters and are the best advertisement for our sport – which is why we want to make them better known. Of course, international championships help with this. For this reason, it is our goal to bring such tournaments to Germany and to be great hosts.