The History of Weightlifting: From Athens 1896 to Indonesia

Many people think the history of weightlifting began when the sport entered the Olympics and immediately used the snatch and clean and jerk. In fact, when it debuted in Athens 1896, the competition still used one-handed and two-handed lifts.

Since then, weightlifting has undergone many changes, from the implementation of weight classes, changes in the types of lifts, the removal of the press, to the inclusion of the women's event at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. This long journey is what shaped the modern weightlifting format as it is known today.

So, who are the figures behind its development, where did important changes occur, and how did its history reach Indonesia? Let's explore the historical journey of weightlifting from Athens 1896 to the birth of Indonesian lifters on the world stage.

[[svrg_takeaways]]
title: Key Points:
- History of weightlifting| began before the modern format with the snatch and clean and jerk became widely known
- Athens 1896 Olympics| featured one-handed and two-handed lifts as part of the weightlifting competition
- Weightlifting| evolved through changes in weight classes, lift types, rules, and the inclusion of women's events
- The journey of weightlifting| produced Indonesian athletes such as Eko Yuli Irawan and Rizki Juniansyah in the Olympics
[[/svrg_takeaways]]

What Is Weightlifting?

Weightlifting or weightlifting is a sport that tests an athlete's ability to lift a barbell with specific techniques and rules. In the modern international format, there are two main types of lifts:

1. Snatch
2. Clean and jerk

Athletes perform several attempts for each type of lift. The best weights from the snatch and clean and jerk are then added together to produce a total lift.

The winner is determined based on the highest total lift in the weight category they are competing in.

Therefore, weightlifting is not just about who can lift the heaviest weight. Athletes also need strength, speed, coordination, balance, mobility, technique, and the ability to control their bodies when receiving the load.

Read also: Various Types of Weightlifting and Their Training

History of Weightlifting Through the Ages

1. 19th Century: The Emergence of Strength Competitions

In the mid-19th century, weightlifting activities began to become popular as physical exercise and demonstrations of strength. These activities then developed into more organized competitions in Europe.

On May 31, 1891, in London, England, Levy Lawrence Edward won an international competition attended by seven athletes from six countries. He earned the title of Amateur Champion Weightlifter of the World.

This development showed that weightlifting was already an international competition before it entered the Olympics. In the same period, national organizations for weightlifting began to develop in Europe.

2. Weightlifting Enters the 1896 Athens Olympics

An important milestone occurred on April 6–15, 1896, in Athens, Greece. Weightlifting became one of the sports in the first modern Olympics.

The competition took place at the Panathenaic Stadium and was attended by seven athletes from five countries. At that time, there was no division of classes based on the athlete's body weight.

There were two categories, namely the one-hand lift and the two-hand lift. Launceston Elliot won the one-hand category with 71 kg, while Viggo Jensen won the two-hand category with 111.5 kg.

3. Establishment of the International Federation in Duisburg

The development of international competitions required an organization with more uniform rules. Therefore, international organizations began to be formed to regulate the sport of weightlifting.

On June 10, 1905, in Duisburg, Germany, the predecessor of the IWF was founded under the name Amateur-Athleten-Weltunion. The organization initially also covered wrestling.

In 1920, this organization used the name Fédération Internationale Haltérophile (FIH). The name International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) was later used between 1972 and 1976.

4. Barbells with Plates Introduced in 1912

Weightlifting equipment also underwent development in the early 20th century. One of these was the use of barbells with plates of various sizes.

On July 10, 1912, in Frankfurt, Germany, the Kaspar Berg company introduced 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 kg plates. Barbells with a rotating mechanism were also introduced.

These changes made it possible to adjust the weight more precisely. This plate system eventually became the basis for the development of modern weightlifting equipment.

5. Weight Classes Begin to Be Standardized

In 1913, international organizations began to introduce categories based on athlete body weight. Previously, athletes of different sizes could compete in the same group.

The five categories were featherweight up to 60 kg, lightweight 67.5 kg, middleweight 75 kg, and light-heavyweight 82.5 kg. The last category was heavyweight with a weight above 82.5 kg.

The implementation of weight classes made the competition more structured. This system also became the basis for the development of weight categories in the following periods.

Read also: What Is Powerlifting? Here Are the Benefits and Types of Training

6. Competition System Becomes More Structured in 1920

At the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, weightlifting used five weight classes. The categories were 60 kg, 67.5 kg, 75 kg, 82.5 kg, and over 82.5 kg.

In the same year, the international organization used the name Fédération Internationale Haltérophile (FIH). This change strengthened the standardization of international competitions.

The use of weight classes made matches more organized. The system then continued to evolve following changes in weightlifting rules.

7. Three Lifts Become the Main Program in 1928

At the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, the competition format underwent important changes. The one-hand movement was no longer used in the main program.

The competition then used three types of lifts: the press, the snatch, and the clean and jerk. All three were performed using both hands.

Unlike modern matches, the press was still an official part of the competition during that period. This three-lift format lasted until the press was finally removed in 1972.

8. World Record List Begins to Be Standardized in 1925

In March 1925, the FIH published the first official list of world records. The list included results dating back to 1922.

The record list used five weight categories: 60 kg, 67.5 kg, 75 kg, 82.5 kg, and +82.5 kg. Various categories such as the snatch, clean and jerk, and press were recorded in the list.

One of the important athletes of this era was Charles Rigoulot from France. He was recorded as being able to perform a two-hand clean and jerk of 160.5 kg.

9. Press Removed from Competition in 1972

A major change occurred at the 1972 Munich Olympics in Germany. At that time, the press was still one of the three competition events.

Proposals to remove the press were previously discussed in Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968. In 1972, the decision was finally approved with 33 delegates in favor and 13 against.

Starting in 1973, the press was no longer part of official IWF and Olympic competitions. Since then, matches have used two main movements: the snatch and the clean and jerk.

10. Women's Weightlifting Enters the Olympics in 2000

The next important milestone occurred at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Australia. For the first time, women's weightlifting was included in the Olympic program.

The competition took place on September 16–26, 2000, and was attended by 85 athletes from 47 countries. This event opened the Olympic stage to female athletes in the sport of weightlifting.

For Indonesia, Sydney 2000 was also an important moment in the history of women's weightlifting. Sri Indriyani appeared in the competition and won a bronze medal in the women's flyweight class.

Read also: 10 Weightlifting Myths You Shouldn't Believe!

History of Indonesian Weightlifting

Indonesian weightlifting first appeared at the Olympics in Helsinki 1952 through Ging Hwie Thio, who placed eighth in the men's lightweight class. Since that debut, Indonesia has consistently sent lifters to various international events and built a tradition of achievement in the sport of weightlifting.

Since then, Indonesia has continued to produce successful lifters on the international and Olympic stage. That journey reached its peak in Paris 2024 when Rizki Juniansyah won gold and made history as the first Indonesian lifter to win an Olympic gold medal.

Indonesian Weightlifting Athlete Achievements

Read also: 10 High-Achieving Indonesian Weightlifters and Their Profiles

Current Development of Weightlifting History

In weightlifting competitions, athletes compete through two main types of lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Both are performed in certain weight classes so that the competition takes place based on predetermined weight categories.

Weightlifting weight classes continue to change following developments in international competition regulations. Starting August 1, 2026, the IWF set eight weight categories for men and eight categories for women in senior and junior competitions.

Know the History, Start Weightlifting Correctly

The history of weightlifting shows how this sport evolved from a strength competition into a sport with specific techniques, rules, and international standards. These changes also formed the two main movements known in modern weightlifting: the snatch and the clean and jerk.

If you want to start training, understanding technique remains the foundation before pursuing heavier loads. The process requires gradual practice, consistency, and comfortable, appropriate equipment so that you can train more safely.

To support this process, you can explore the collection of best weightlifting equipment from SVRG. Choose the equipment that fits your training needs and make every session part of the process of building strength.

[[svrg_faq]]
title: Weightlifting FAQ
- q; When was weightlifting first included in the Olympics?
a: Weightlifting was first included in the modern Olympics in 1896 in Athens, Greece. At that time, the competition consisted of two events: one-handed and two-handed lifts.
- q: When was the international weightlifting federation founded?
a: The predecessor to the IWF was founded on June 10, 1905, in Duisburg, Germany. The organization later evolved into the international body that governs weightlifting competitions and regulations.
- q; When was the press removed from weightlifting competitions?
a: The press was officially removed from IWF competitions starting in 1973 following a decision reached in 1972 in Munich. Since then, international competitions have used two primary movements: the snatch and the clean and jerk.
- q: When was women's weightlifting included in the Olympics?
a: Women's weightlifting was first contested at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The competition featured 85 athletes from 47 countries and became a significant milestone for the development of women's weightlifting.
- q: Which Indonesian athlete won an Olympic gold medal in weightlifting?
a: Rizki Juniansyah became the first Indonesian lifter to win an Olympic gold medal in weightlifting. He won the men's 73 kg class in Paris 2024 with a total lift of 354 kg.
[[/svrg_faq]]