University of Central Florida · USA Weightlifting Sanctioned Program

Knights
Weightlifting

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.

Proud Sponsors of Knights Weightlifting

One Team

This Is Knights Weightlifting

Students from every background, training the Olympic lifts together — from first-timers to national-level competitors. When you join, this is the room you walk into.

Knights Weightlifting team at training

What We Do

The Sport of
Olympic Lifting

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.

The Snatch

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.

Clean & Jerk

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.

Why Olympic Lifting?

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

10 Reasons to
Lift Olympic

USA Weightlifting's top reasons athletes choose the sport — and why Knights Weightlifting is the right place to pursue them at UCF.

1
Transform your physique
Full-body movements work legs, glutes, back, abs, shoulders, and arms simultaneously — burning more calories in less time.
2
Get stronger & more powerful
The snatch and clean & jerk recruit more muscle simultaneously than any other exercise, building explosive strength fast.
3
Improve athletic performance
Olympic lifting builds the rate of force development used in every other sport — from sprinting to jumping to throwing.
4
Increase flexibility & mobility
The overhead squat and catch positions demand — and develop — full-body mobility most athletes never achieve otherwise.
5
Boost bone density
Heavy compound loading builds skeletal density that protects against injury far more effectively than cardio.
6
Master a technical skill
Unlike most gym exercises, Olympic lifting has a technical ceiling that keeps athletes engaged and improving for years.
7
Compete at any level
From your first local meet to national collegiate championships — USAW sanctioned competition is open to all registered members.
8
Join a tight-knit team
Weightlifting culture is built on collective effort. Every PR you hit, the whole team celebrates.
9
Train the Olympic sport
You're training the same two movements contested at the highest levels of the sport globally.
10
No experience needed
Coaches teach you everything from day one. All skill levels are welcome and all skill levels compete.

Bodyweight Categories

Current Weight Classes

The divisions we compete in — eight bodyweight categories each for Senior & Junior men and women, plus eight for Youth men and women. Use the tabs below to view each group.

60
kg
65
kg
70
kg
75
kg
85
kg
95
kg
110
kg
+110
kg

Eight Senior & Junior men's categories. Always verify current categories at usaweightlifting.org before registering for a meet.

49
kg
53
kg
57
kg
61
kg
69
kg
77
kg
86
kg
+86
kg

Eight Senior & Junior women's categories. Source: usaweightlifting.org

55
kg
60
kg
65
kg
70
kg
75
kg
85
kg
95
kg
+95
kg

Eight Youth men's categories for developing athletes.

45
kg
49
kg
53
kg
57
kg
61
kg
69
kg
77
kg
+77
kg

Eight Youth women's categories for developing athletes.

Athlete Tool

Sinclair Calculator

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.

Sinclair Score
—
Enter your bodyweight and lifts above to calculate your score.

Practice Schedule

When We Train

Monday
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍
Practice Location
1717 Kennedy Point, Suite 1019 — Oviedo, FL 32765
Check Instagram @ucf.weightlifting for any schedule changes before coming out.
Get Directions
Coach Daniel Camargo at a weightlifting competition

Meet the Coach

Coach Daniel Camargo

U.S. Senior International Coach · Founder of Oly Concepts

Daniel Camargo is a 36-year veteran of Olympic weightlifting who has represented the United States internationally as both an athlete and a coach. He founded his own weightlifting club in 1999 and went on to establish Oly Concepts in 2012, where he develops lifters through personal, competitive, and remote coaching. Knights Weightlifting is proud to host its meets at his Casselberry facility.

U.S. Senior International Coach 36-Year Veteran of the Sport Founder, Oly Concepts USA International Athlete & Coach
Learn More at Oly Concepts →

Knights Weightlifting Hosts · October 2026

Nutrex Research
Premier Showcase
+ Knights Crown Invitational

Knights Weightlifting is proud to host two back-to-back USA Weightlifting sanctioned meets on October 10–11, 2026 at Oly Concepts in Casselberry, FL. Come compete, volunteer, or spectate.

Inaugural Knights Crown Invitational
Oct 10, 2026
USA Weightlifting Sanctioned · Collegiate · National University Qualifier
Date
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location
Oly Concepts — 362 Melody Ln W, Casselberry, FL 32707
Entry Fee
$65 / athlete — meet shirt & shaker included
Weight Classes
Standard USAW · national university qualifying event
👑
Featured Meet
The Knights Crown Invitational
Knights Weightlifting's flagship competition at UCF
Entry Fee & Full Details
$65 per athlete, meet shirt & Nutrex Research shaker included. Register by July 31 for 50% greater scholarship odds. Universities are encouraged to stay for Day 2 — the Nutrex Research Premier Showcase on Oct 11 — to recruit at a free booth.
  • USAW membership required to compete
  • Collegiate competition — Men & Women, all weight classes
  • National university qualifying event for Collegiate Nationals
  • Champions engraved on the Knights Crown trophy forever
  • Spectators welcome
Register Now on Sport80 →
Nutrex Research Premier Showcase
Oct 11, 2026
USA Weightlifting Sanctioned · High School · University Recruiting Expo
Date
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location
Oly Concepts — 362 Melody Ln W, Casselberry, FL 32707
Weigh-In
Schedule posted closer to event
Format
High school division · All weight classes
🏆
Title Sponsor
Presented by Nutrex Research
Official nutrition partner of Knights Weightlifting
Registration Pricing
Early Bird $65 · Regular $85 · Late $105. Meet shirt & Nutrex Research shaker included. Register by July 31 for 50% greater scholarship odds — $1,000 in individual scholarships awarded.
  • USAW membership required to compete
  • High school division · all weight classes
  • University recruiting expo — college programs on-site
  • Planned livestream of every lift and the award ceremony
  • Spectators welcome
Register Now on Sport80 →

Get Involved

Volunteer at the Meet

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 Volunteer

Compete

Represent UCF

01
Join USA Weightlifting
All sanctioned competition requires a USAW membership (~0/year). This unlocks eligibility for every local, regional, and national meet — plus access to free online education courses and event insurance.
02
Pick Your Weight Class
There are eight bodyweight categories each for men and women. Your coach helps you identify the right class based on your current bodyweight and long-term development goals.
03
Enter a Local or Collegiate Meet
Florida has a strong local meet circuit through USAW's South Region. The collegiate calendar includes the North American Open Series, University Nationals, and National Championships Week in Colorado Springs.
04
Post a Total & Represent UCF
Your goal at your first meet: make three good attempts in each lift and record a total. Your total is snatch + clean & jerk. Members compete as Knights Weightlifting on the team scoreboard.
USAW Collegiate Competition

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 →
Sinclair & Robi Points

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 →
2026 Qualifying Totals

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

Membership

Recreational
Open to all UCF students
  • Access to all weekly practices
  • Beginner-friendly coaching
  • Barbell & bumper plate access
  • Team community
  • Social events & media days
Sign Up on KnightConnect
Compete
Competitive
For athletes entering sanctioned meets
  • Everything in Recreational
  • USAW individual membership (~0/yr)
  • Structured competition programming
  • Team entry to collegiate meets
  • Travel planning assistance
  • Represent UCF at nationals
Join USAW to Compete
Officer / E-Board
Leadership roles available
  • President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary
  • Media & design roles
  • Event coordination
  • Team growth & outreach
Reach Out on Instagram

USAW Resources

Direct links to key USA Weightlifting resources every member needs.

🏋️
Join USAW
Required for all sanctioned competition. ~0/year.
📅
Event Calendar
Find local, regional, and national meets to enter.
🎯
2026 Qualifying Totals
What you need to qualify for Series and Finals events.
🏆
American Records
Current records across all weight classes and age groups.
📊
Meet Results
Official USAW competition results database.

Required for All Members

Athlete & Program
Compliance

USA Weightlifting requires all sanctioned members to adhere to the following policies. Knights Weightlifting is committed to a clean, safe, and inclusive environment.

🛡️
SafeSport

All USAW members must complete SafeSport training through the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

SafeSport Info →
🧪
Anti-Doping

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 →
🆘
Courage First

USAW's confidential helpline for athletes who need support regarding abuse, misconduct, or other concerns.

Athlete Helpline →

Thank You

Our Sponsors

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.

Partner With Us

Become a Sponsor

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 Touch

Support the Team

Donate

Every contribution helps cover equipment, meet entry fees, travel, and singlets so our athletes can train and compete at the national level.

❤

Empower UCF Weightlifting

Help fund our team's journey. Your support directly powers UCF athletes — from first-time lifters to those chasing collegiate national qualifying totals. Donate securely through our official GoFundMe.

Donate on GoFundMe →

Prefer another way to give or sponsor the team? Reach out at ucf.knightsweightlifting@gmail.com.

Get Started

Come Lift With Us

No experience. No equipment. No problem. Show up to any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday practice at 7 PM, introduce yourself, and we'll get you on the platform the same night.

Join on KnightConnect
Follow Us
@ucf.weightlifting
instagram.com/ucf.weightlifting
Practice updates, meet results, team content
Official Registration
KnightConnect Portal
knightconnect.campuslabs.com
Search "Knights Weightlifting"
Practice Location
Oviedo Training Facility
1717 Kennedy Point #1019
Oviedo, FL 32765
National Governing Body
USA Weightlifting
usaweightlifting.org
Required for sanctioned competition