Q 01/05

Which two lifts make up modern Olympic weightlifting competition?

A) Squat and deadlift

B) Snatch and clean and jerk

C) Clean and press and bench press

D) Snatch and overhead squat

Answer · why

B) Snatch and clean and jerk

Athletes get three attempts at each; the snatch is always contested first.

Q 02/05

In which lift is the barbell taken from the floor to overhead in one continuous motion?

A) Clean and jerk

B) Clean and press

C) Snatch

D) Push press

Answer · why

C) Snatch

It uses a wide grip and demands precise balance in the deep receiving position.

Q 03/05

In the clean and jerk, the 'clean' brings the bar to which position?

A) Locked out overhead

B) The front of the shoulders

C) Resting on the hips

D) Racked behind the neck

Answer · why

B) The front of the shoulders

That position is called the front rack; the jerk then drives the bar overhead, often with a split of the legs.

Q 04/05

Which third competition lift was dropped after 1972 as judges could not agree on form?

A) The one-hand snatch

B) The clean and press

C) The continental clean

D) The bent press

Answer · why

B) The clean and press

Rules against 'excessive layback' proved impossible to police consistently.

Q 05/05

How many attempts does each lifter get at each of the two lifts?

A) Four

B) Five

C) Three

D) Six

Answer · why

C) Three

A lifter's total is the best successful weight in each lift added together.