Modern competitions consist of two distinct lifts performed with a barbell:

Olympic-style weightlifting, also known simply as "weightlifting," is a competitive strength sport where athletes attempt to lift a loaded barbell from the floor to an overhead position in an explosive manner. Unlike powerlifting, which focuses on absolute strength through slower movements, Olympic weightlifting tests explosive power, speed, timing, and high-level kinesthetic awareness. Core Competition Lifts

: A two-stage lift where the athlete first "cleans" the bar from the floor to the shoulders, pauses, and then "jerks" it overhead with a straight elbow. This lift allows for significantly heavier weights, typically about 20% more than the snatch.

: The barbell is lifted from the floor to an overhead position in one continuous, fluid motion. It is the swifter of the two lifts and generally utilizes a wider grip.