The IWF is pleased to announce that the IOC Executive Board approved today the inclusion of two additional bodyweight categories (one for men and one for women) in the programme of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
This significant and important decision follows the recommendation of the Olympic Programme Commission and the request of our International Federation. Moreover, the quota of 120 lifters (60 men and 60 women) remains unchanged – these athletes will therefore compete in 12 bodyweight categories (six per gender), with a total of 10 weightlifters per event. Finally, these two additional categories will be incorporated in the number of sessions and days previously established for these Games (the weightlifting competition in Los Angeles will be held in five days, from July 25-29, 2028).
This improvement in the programme was essentially requested by the IWF Athletes Commission, and of course supported by the IWF leadership. The lifters’ representatives estimated that a higher number of bodyweight categories would provide a more balanced gap between each of them, thus minimising the possible health impact and injury risk on the athletes.
“The IOC has positively taken into account our important arguments and we are extremely happy with this step forward. We will definitively deliver a more exciting programme in Los Angeles and our athletes’ community receives this news with immense satisfaction. I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the IOC Executive Board, the IOC Olympic Programme Commission, the IOC Sports Department, and of course to the Organisers of the Los Angeles Games. Together with the IWF teams, we could improve the IWF presence in the event, thus meeting also the expectations of the protagonists of our Sport. In less than three years, the world will celebrate a great Olympic show in Los Angeles and we are very excited to be part of that success,” considered the IWF President Mohammed Jalood.
The IWF will now have until the end of 2025 to define the six categories for both men and women to be contested at the 2028 Olympic Games.
By IWF Communications