Competitions in modern weightlifting have a long tradition dating back to the 19th century. Over time, the characteristics and forms of equipment — such as barbells, discs, sports clothing, and footwear — have evolved, as have the competition disciplines themselves, along with age and body weight categories.
Polish weightlifting historian Zbigniew Gorlewski, who has made significant contributions to the history of the sport, prepared an overview of how body weight categories have changed over time at IWF and EWF competitions through his work within the EWF Historical and Statistical Commission. The EWF expresses its gratitude to Mr. Gorlewski for his dedication and for preserving the history of weightlifting.
Polish weightlifting historian Zbigniew Gorlewski, who has made significant contributions to the history of the sport, prepared an overview of how body weight categories have changed over time at IWF and EWF competitions through his work within the EWF Historical and Statistical Commission. The EWF expresses its gratitude to Mr. Gorlewski for his dedication and for preserving the history of weightlifting.
Prepared by Zbigniew Gorlewski
As of 1 August 2026, the International Weightlifting Federation will once again introduce changes to the bodyweight category limits. The previous ones had lasted only a year. Since 2018, this has already been the third change to category limits. The history of dividing competitors into bodyweight categories dates back to the beginnings of the sport, that is, to 1905. It was then that this issue was regulated by official rules. Until that time, athletes competed in the Open category, without any bodyweight divisions.
Even before the official establishment of the International Weightlifting Federation, bodyweight categories were already applied at the World Championships held in Berlin (8–10 April 1905). Competitors competed in three categories: 67.5 kg, 80 kg, and over 80 kg. Until 1913, changes to category limits occurred several times, mainly involving an increase in the number of categories. From 1913, when five categories were introduced—60 kg, 67.5 kg, 75 kg, 82.5 kg, and over 82.5 kg—until 1992, there were only a few changes, again consisting of increasing the number of categories. The last change during this period took place in 1977, when the 100 kg category was introduced. This was the tenth category, and this structure remained in force until the end of 1992.
From 1993 to 2018, after the introduction of new limits, there was one change in 1998. These categories lasted for ten years. Further changes took place on 1 November 2018, 1 June 2025, and the one planned for 1 August 2026. The category limits applied to designated age groups. For seniors and juniors, the categories were the same, but for younger age groups the lower limits were reduced. This was related to the age and body weight of the athletes.
Another issue concerns the age groups of competitors. Initially, there were no age divisions, but already in the 1930s individual federations began to introduce championships for a younger age group known as juniors. The age limits initially varied—21, 20, or 18 years. Over time, this issue was standardized. To this day, the junior categories up to 20 years of age and up to 18 years of age have remained, although the latter age limit is not recognized by the IWF. It should be noted that the first World and European Championships for the under-20 age group were held in 1975, although world records had been recorded since the 1960s. It should also be noted that the first two editions of the Junior Women’s World Championships (1995, 1996) were held in the under-18 category. Only from 1997 was this age limit equalized.
Another age group consists of athletes aged 16 and 17. In this age group (under 16), the first European Championships were already held in 1991. In international competitions, this age limit remained in force until the end of 2002. At the beginning of 2003, it was decided to shift this limit by one year, to under 17. However, this age group was still not recognized by the IWF. This changed in 2009, when the IWF decided to hold the first World Championships for the under-17 age group.
Currently, two additional age groups are in operation: under 15 and under 23. However, these age groups are not recognized by the IWF. The first of these groups to be introduced was the under-23 category. This was in 2009, when the first European Championships were held in Poland (Władysławowo). The second age group, under 15, waited until 2013 for its European debut. In that year, the first European Championships were held in Lithuania (Klaipėda).
At present, the EWF officially recognizes five age groups (U15, U17, U20, U23, Senior), while the IWF recognizes only three (U17, U20, Senior). To illustrate this more clearly, tables showing the history of changes in weight category limits in individual age groups are provided.
