#Event Description & Format - Weightlifting#
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Weightlifters qualify for the Olympics not as individuals, but
as members of a national team, based on the results of the most
recent world championships. Each nation is allowed a set number
of entrants according to its ranking. 

The men will compete in eight weight classes, one more than the 
women. 

The event runs from August 14-25 and will take place in the 
Nikaia Olympic Weightlifting Hall.
 
Athletes will perform two different lifts -- 
the snatch and the clean and jerk -- and will be ranked
according to the combined weight lifted in the two.

The snatch is the more explosive of the two.  In one movement
the lifter thrusts the bar to chest height and pulls his body to
a position under the bar and holds it with his arms straight
before the referee gives the down signal. The lifter must be
motionless to receive the signal.

In the clean and jerk the lifter brings the weight from the
platform to shoulder height in one fluid motion and drives the
bar from his shoulders to an overhead position with his legs
split, front to back.  The lifter then brings his feet together
and awaits the referee's signal to release the bar.
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