The IOC Executive Board has approved the addition of two new weight classes in weightlifting at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, one for men and one for women. Six weight classes for each gender will therefore be distinguished in three years. The current quota of 120 athletes will remain unchanged. This adjustment aims to limit incentives for excessive weight loss. It thus helps to preserve athletes' health, while ensuring better consistency with the new weight categories adopted for high-level competitions, both junior and senior ", underlines the IOC.
« The IOC has taken our arguments into account and we are extremely happy with this progress, greets the president of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), Mohammed Jalood. We will undoubtedly offer a more exciting program in Los Angeles, and the athletic community welcomes this news with immense satisfaction. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the IOC Executive Committee, the IOC Olympic Programme Commission, the IOC Sports Department, and, of course, the organizers of the Los Angeles Games. »
In Paris, the men competed in five categories: 61 kg, 73 kg, 89 kg, 102 kg, and +102 kg. The women competed in 49 kg, 59 kg, 71 kg, 81 kg, or +81 kg. The IWF will define the six men's and women's categories for the next Olympic Games by the end of the year.
