USA Weightlifting is the National Governing Body chartered by the United States Olympic Committee, and the International Weightlifting Federation. Olympic Weightlifting is the supreme competition of strength, agility, and athleticism. Olympic Weightlifters are the strongest athletes on the planet. Each lifter must compete in both lifts. Competitors compete in body-weight classes similar in concept to wrestlers and boxers.
Competitions take place on various levels.
Generally, in order to compete on the next level, you must qualify to do so at an officially sanctioned meet. For example, in order to compete in a State Championship, you will have had to qualify to compete by lifting a certain amount in a local contest. In addition to the Olympics, which take place every four years, there are World Championships every non-Olympic year, various international competitions on a yearly basis, such as the Panonia Cup, Kanata Cup, Blue Sword tournament, and others. The United States hold National Championships yearly in the springtime. There are competitions to suit many levels of competitor.