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Weightlifting has a rich history at the Commonwealths, and has not missed a Games since first being on the programme back in 1950 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Now recognised as one of the ten core sports that must be included in every edition of the Commonwealths, lifters from all over the world will compete in 15 weight classes from 48kg to +105kg.
Para-sport powerlifting will also be contested at the Glasgow Games.
WHEN?
With a packed programme of men's, women's and para-sport competitions to get through, weightlifting action is happening on most days. Sessions are on every day between July 24-31, and after a one day break, the powerlifting events conclude the lifting action on August 2.
WHERE?
The weightlifting competitions are happening in the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre in West Glasgow.
WHO?
Weightlifting is perhaps the sport with the most evenly spread distribution of medals. Nigeria topped the medal tally last time out in India, taking five golds and an impressive 14 in total.
Ominously, they took all six medals in powerlifting, although English lifter Ali Jawad will be looking to break this stranglehold having won the World Championships earlier this year, setting a new record in the process.
Samoa's weightlifters made history in Delhi, taking home three gold medals. These were the first ever gold medals for the country in Commonwealth history, having been competing since 1974. Brother and sister Niusila and Ele Opeloge won their gold medals on the same day. Ele lifted a Games record of 285kg at her weight division.
The host nation's hopes will lie primarily with Peter Kirkbride, who took silver in Delhi four years ago. He is also the national champion at 94kg, and competed at London 2012, placing 16th.
Other countries who don't medal very often take their moment to shine in weightlifting. Sri Lanka, Nauru and the Seychelles all won their only medals in 2010 in this sport.
LET ME SOUND LIKE I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT...
- Weightlifting comprises two lifts - the snatch and the clean and jerk.
- Lifters get three attempts at completing the lift.
- Both lifts must be completed to count, and the best combined score is taken forward to the scoreboard. If a lifter fails to produce any successful lifts in either snatch or clean and jerk, they cannot receive a final total.
- There are eight weight categories for men and seven for women
- Competitors can pick their opening weight, and once successful, then pick the next weight. Some take risks to try and outdo or unnerve a rival lifter.
CAN I STILL BUY TICKETS?
Yes, there are tickets left to the preliminary sessions of both weightlifting and powerlifting. Click here
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| Ele Opeloge is the first Samoan woman to win a Commonwealth gold (thehindu.com) |
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