USA Weightlifting

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USA Weightlfiting or USAW is the national governing body overseeing the sport of Olympic weightlifting in the United States. USAW is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), responsible for conducting Olympic weightlifting programs throughout the country, and a member of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). Top competitors are selected by USAW to compete in all major international events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, World Junior Championships and Pan American Games.

There are 45 state oriented Local Weightlifting Committees (LWC's). Each LWC promotes weightlifting programs and develops athletes in its region by holding coaching courses, local events and other programs. USAW authorizes five National Championships in all age groups, giving athletes a chance to sevaluate their competition nationwide. Top competitors are selected from the National Championships to compete in all major international events.

The executive director (currently Dennis Snethen of St. Joseph, MO) oversees the full-time staff located at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He coordinates afffairs with the USOC, oversees national competitions and team selections, directs the national office, and supervises sponsorship and fundraising activities.