The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has officially approved the qualification system for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, defining the pathway through which athletes and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) can secure quota places for Olympic participation.
Olympic Events and Quotas
Weightlifting at LA28 will feature 12 Olympic events, with six bodyweight categories for men and six for women. A total of 120 athletes will compete, comprising 60 men and 60 women.
Quota places are distributed as follows:
• 108 quota places through the Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR)
• 6 Host Country quota places (3 men, 3 women)
• 6 Universality quota places (3 men, 3 women)
Each NOC may qualify a maximum of three athletes per gender, with the possibility of one additional quota place per gender if an athlete is awarded the Best Lifter title during the qualification period.
Qualification Period and Ranking System
The qualification period runs from 27 July 2026 to 7 May 2028 and is divided into two sub-periods (Period 1 and Period 2). Athlete rankings are based on Total results (Snatch + Clean & Jerk) achieved in official qualification events.
For each athlete, the Olympic Qualification Ranking is calculated using:
• the best three Total results from Period 1, and
• the best two Total results from Period 2.
Each kilogram lifted equals one ranking point. After the conclusion of the qualification period, the top eight ranked athletes in each Olympic bodyweight category will be allocated Olympic quota places.
Continental Representation, Host Country and Universality Places
To ensure global representation, continental quota places are allocated to the highest-ranked eligible athlete from a continent not already represented in the top eight of a given weight category.
The Host Country is guaranteed up to six quota places, subject to eligibility requirements and adjusted according to the number of athletes qualified through the OQR.
Universality places are allocated by the IOC Tripartite Commission to eligible NOCs with limited Olympic representation, provided athletes meet minimum performance requirements during both qualification periods.
Best Lifters Provision
At the conclusion of the qualification period, the IWF will recognize the Best Man Lifter and Best Woman Lifter, determined by the official IWF formula based on the athlete’s best five Total results. If the NOC of a Best Lifter has already reached the maximum quota of three athletes for that gender, it will be awarded one additional quota place, allowing up to four athletes in that gender.
Eligibility and Anti-Doping Requirements
All athletes must comply fully with the Olympic Charter, World Anti-Doping Code, and IWF Anti-Doping Rules. Athletes are required to remain continuously available for testing throughout the qualification period. Violations of anti-doping regulations may result in the withdrawal or reallocation of quota places.
Final Confirmation and Reallocation
Following the publication of the Final OQR, NOCs must confirm their use of allocated quota places within the established deadlines. Any unused or withdrawn quota places will be reallocated in accordance with IWF rules, ensuring full participation in all Olympic weight categories.
