Weightlifting has been a part of the Olympics since 1920, but women’s weightlifting didn’t start until 2000. The weight classes have evolved from five men’s events at the start to eight today along with the seven women’s events. Weightlifting will be held at the Riocentro, a convention center built in the 70’s. The US qualified one man at the Pan American Championship while three women qualified at the World Championships.

The Team:

This year’s team is made up of one male and three female athletes. Two of the team members are two time Olympians with one in his third appearance. Morghan King is the oldest at 30 while Jenny Arthur is the youngest at 22.

Links are to twitter accounts for the athletes.

USA Weightlifting
Men:
Kendrick Farris** – 94kg

Women:
Jenny Arthur – 75kg
Morghan King -48kg
Sarah Robles* – +75kg
* – Was on team in 2012 – London
** – Was on team in 2012 and 2008 (Beijing)

Format:

In weightlifting the competitors get three attempts in each of the categories (the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk). Combine the best lifts in each category to get final scores. If there is a tie, the lowest bodyweight of the lifters wins.

Schedule:

All Times ET
Saturday, August 6th
6 PM – Women’s 48kg

Friday, August 12th
11:30 AM – Women’s 75kg – Group B
2:30 PM – Women’s 75kg – Group A

Saturday, August 13th
2:30 PM – Men’s 94kg – Group B
6 PM – Men’s 94kg – Group A

Sunday, August 14th
2:30 PM – Women’s +75kg – Group B
6 PM – Women’s +75kg – Group A

Past Results:

None of the US members have medaled in the Olympics previously. The US has 43 medals all-time, third most, and 16 golds, but has not medaled since 2000.