University of Central Florida · USA Weightlifting Sanctioned Program
UCF's competitive Olympic weightlifting program. We train the snatch and clean & jerk — from your very first rep to competing at the collegiate national level.
What We Do
Knights Weightlifting is UCF's home for Olympic weightlifting — the discipline contested at every Summer Olympics, where athletes compete in two explosive lifts: the snatch and the clean & jerk.
We're a competitive program affiliated with USA Weightlifting. Everything we do is oriented around technical mastery and explosive athleticism. Members train under USAW's collegiate division and can compete at local, regional, and national sanctioned meets representing UCF.
No experience necessary. Show up, learn the lifts, and find out why Olympic weightlifting is one of the most technically demanding and rewarding sports in the world.
Bar goes from the floor to locked-out overhead in one continuous movement. The most technically demanding lift in sport — requires strength, speed, flexibility, and timing all at once.
A two-phase lift: pull the bar to your shoulders (the clean), then drive it overhead (the jerk). The heaviest weight any human has lifted overhead in sanctioned competition.
Builds explosive power, speed, coordination, and body composition across every athletic domain. Football players, gymnasts, track athletes, and CrossFitters all train the Olympic lifts — because nothing else develops the same qualities at the same speed.
Why Train Here
USA Weightlifting's top reasons athletes choose the sport — and why Knights Weightlifting is the right place to pursue them at UCF.
IWF Bodyweight Categories
The IWF updated weight categories effective June 1, 2025 — eight divisions for both men and women. USAW follows all IWF category changes for all sanctioned domestic meets.
Eight Senior/Junior men's categories effective June 1, 2025. Always verify current categories at usaweightlifting.org before registering for a meet.
Eight Senior/Junior women's categories effective June 1, 2025. Source: usaweightlifting.org
Youth age group: athletes age 13–17 (by birth year). Updated June 2025.
Youth women's categories (age 13–17 by birth year). Updated June 2025.
Athlete Tool
In Olympic weightlifting, athletes of different body weights are compared using the Sinclair formula — so lighter lifters can be ranked fairly against heavier ones. Enter your bodyweight and lifts to see your score.
Practice Schedule
Practices are held three days a week. All skill levels train together. Times and location subject to change — always confirm on our Instagram and GroupMe before heading out.
Knights Weightlifting Hosts · October 2025
Knights Weightlifting is proud to host two back-to-back USA Weightlifting sanctioned meets on October 10–11, 2025. Open to all USAW members — come compete, volunteer, or spectate.
Get Involved
We need loaders, scorers, timekeepers, and general help to run a smooth meet. Volunteering is a great way to learn how competition works — reach out on Instagram.
Contact Us to VolunteerCompete
Knights Weightlifting competes under USA Weightlifting's collegiate division. This gives members access to sanctioned meets, national championships, and official totals on the USAW results database.
You don't need to be experienced to start competing — many first-time competitors enter local meets after just a few months of training. The goal is to make six good lifts and post a total.
Find upcoming meets →The Sinclair formula allows athletes across weight classes to be compared. A lighter athlete who lifts relatively more can outscore a heavier competitor — so every weight class matters equally on the team scoreboard.
Try the Sinclair calculator →Virus Weightlifting Series 1 & 2, University Nationals, Masters Nationals, and National Championships Week each have published qualifying totals that must be hit in a sanctioned competition.
View 2026 qualifying totals →Get Involved
USAW Resources
Direct links to key USA Weightlifting resources every member needs.
Required for All Members
USA Weightlifting requires all sanctioned members to adhere to the following policies. Knights Weightlifting is committed to a clean, safe, and inclusive environment.
All USAW members must complete SafeSport training through the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
SafeSport Info →All USAW members may be subject to random drug testing via USADA or WADA. Olympic weightlifting is a drug-tested sport at all levels.
Anti-Doping Policy →USAW's confidential helpline for athletes who need support regarding abuse, misconduct, or other concerns.
Athlete Helpline →Thank You
Knights Weightlifting is grateful to the organizations who invest in our team and make it possible for UCF athletes to train, compete, and represent the Knights.
Official Apparel Partner
Virus International is the Official Apparel and Singlet Sponsor of USA Weightlifting — and a proud sponsor of Knights Weightlifting at UCF. Built from the yarn up for serious athletes, Virus gear features proprietary fabric technologies including Bioceramic® far-infrared recovery wear, CoolJade® cooling fabric, and EcoNuve® sustainable materials. When you wear Virus, you're wearing what the best weightlifters in the country compete in.
We are proud to have Virus backing our program. Use code UCFKnights10 at checkout to receive 10% off your entire order — storewide, no minimum.
Shop Virus International →Official Nutrition Partner
Nutrex Research is a science-driven sports nutrition brand based in Florida with over two decades of developing premium, research-backed supplements. Their lineup — covering pre-workouts, creatine, protein, amino acids, and recovery products — is formulated with transparency, clinical dosing, and real results in mind.
We're proud to have a fellow Florida brand fuel our athletes. Nutrex's commitment to clean, effective nutrition aligns perfectly with what Olympic weightlifting demands: precision, consistency, and performance.
Shop Nutrex Research →Community Sponsor
Luxury Pools and Spas is Central Florida's premier custom pool and spa builder, serving the Maitland, Winter Park, and greater Orlando area for over 30 years. From concept to completion, they deliver bespoke aquatic environments that combine elegance, innovation, and lasting craftsmanship.
We are grateful for Luxury Pools and Spas' support of Knights Weightlifting. Their investment in our program reflects a commitment to the Central Florida community and the athletes who call it home. If you're considering a custom pool or spa, look no further.
Visit Luxury Pools and Spas →Partner With Us
Interested in sponsoring Knights Weightlifting? We offer brand visibility at meets, on our website, and across our social media. Reach out on Instagram to discuss partnership opportunities.
Get in TouchGet Started
No experience. No equipment. No problem. Show up to any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday practice at 7 PM, introduce yourself, and we'll get you on the platform the same night.
Join on KnightConnect