IWF120y/72 – 2025: Knowing one of the basic lifts – Clean & Jerk

Together with the Snatch, the Clean & Jerk is one of the two basic lifts in Olympic weightlifting. Considered in the early days a rudimentary test of strength, it became a highly technical movement from the moment coaches and athletes began to understand the importance of biomechanics and training methods, leading to significant improvements in performance. Requiring precision, strength, and coordination, it implies explosive power, flexibility, and technique. Unlike the Snatch, the main characteristic of the Clean & Jerk is that the lift is executed in two consecutive movements (thus also allowing for heavier weights): the ‘clean’ phase, where the barbell is lifted to the shoulders (photo), and the ‘jerk’ part where it is propelled overhead. According to the 2025 IWF Technical Competition Rules and Regulations, the correct ‘clean’ must be as follows: “The barbell is gripped, palm downward and pulled in a single movement from the platform to the shoulders, while either splitting or bending the legs. During this continuous movement upward the barbell should remain close to the body and the barbell may slide along the thighs. The barbell must not touch the chest before it stops at the final position either on the clavicles, chest, or on fully bent arms. The athlete’s feet must return to the same line and the legs must be fully extended before starting the Jerk. Before the Jerk, the athlete may adjust the position of the barbell for the following reasons: a) to withdraw or “unhook” the thumbs b) if breathing is impeded c) if the barbell causes pain d) to change the width of the grip”. As for the ‘Jerk’, the rules stipulate that “the athlete bends and dynamically extends the legs and arms simultaneously to move the barbell upward in one motion to the full extent of the arms, while either splitting or bending the legs. The athlete returns his / her feet to the same line parallel to the plane of the trunk and the barbell with his / her arms and legs fully extended.”