The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a major update to the weightlifting program for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics on Friday, introducing two new categories—one for men and one for women—while keeping the total athlete count unchanged. The decision, finalized during the IOC Executive Board meeting in Milan, Italy, aims to enhance competitive balance and athlete safety.
Under the revised structure, weightlifting will feature 12 gold medal events—six for men and six for women—with 120 athletes competing over five days from July 25 to 29. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) emphasized that the adjustment addresses longstanding disparities between divisions, reducing health risks and injury rates by preventing athletes from cutting or gaining excessive weight to fit into broader categories.
This strategic shift reflects the IOC’s commitment to evolving sports formats while maintaining logistical efficiency. The move has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, who anticipate fairer competition and improved performance standards in one of the Olympics’ oldest disciplines.
