Weightlifting (Olympic style) is a sport in which competitors attempt to lift heavy weights mounted on steel bars called barbells, the execution of which is a combination of power, flexibility, concentration, skill, will power, discipline, athleticism, fitness, technique, mental and physical strength. The term "weightlifting" is often informally used to refer to weight training. Olympic weightlifting trains the athlete for functional strength, utilizing the body's major muscle groups. For this reason, the Olympic lifts (or simplified versions such as the power snatch or clean) are extensively used in training for other sports such as American Football. Weight lifting plays a vital role in the success of many athletes, however, when not done correctly, it can be the cause of many problems concerning the athlete's health. Technique is the most important part in weight lifting, and without proper technique, weight lifters will get hurt before they have the opportunity to receive the benefits of their training. Resting is just as vital as the actual training. When lifting weights the muscles are actually being torn into small pieces, and when they become overworked they tend to give in and become injured. It is for this reason that rest is paramount to an athlete's success in the sport.

Fairness The inherent mechanics of weightlifting favors the physical characteristics of short people, similar to the manner in which basketball favors tall people. The effort of lifting a weight is "work done" and is the product of weight x distance. Weightlifting does not measure work done. It is easy to imagine that a very short person could snatch to 5 feet (1.5m), and a very tall person to 8 feet (2.4m). A very tall lifter's chest could exceed a short lifter's jerk, meaning they have already done more work just by lifting to the chest. Nevertheless, many taller people have been successful at lifting, as indeed, have some shorter basketball players.