Weightlifting
A strength sport where athletes lift weighted plates on barbells over their head.
Weightlifting was introduced into Australia in 1912, primarily in New South Wales and Victoria. 1
Discover more about weightlifting through the Clearinghouse evidence base:
- Modified Sports - adaptations that make weightlifting more inclusive and accessible.
- Australian Sport History - history and Hall of Fame information about weightlifting.
Evolution:
- Australian Amateur Weightlifting Federation [1947-?]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation [?-]
Participation
An estimated 321,500 Australians [aged 15+] participated in weightlifting at least once in 2024. 2
An estimated 134,500 Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 185,500 Australian men [aged 15+] participated in weightlifting at least once in 2024. 2
Explore further participation statistics for weightlifting through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab
Governing body
Australian Weightlifting Federation, opens in a new tab is the organisation recognised by government at all levels as the National controlling body for the sport of weightlifting in Australia.
REFERENCES
- History, opens in a new tab, NSW Weightlifting, (accessed 22 January 2026)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 15 October 2025)
Documents
The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2023[PDF • 8.31 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2022[PDF • 8.78 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2021[PDF • 5.18 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2020[PDF • 3.57 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2019[PDF • 12.15 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2018[PDF • 5.08 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2017[PDF • 2.73 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2016[PDF • 6.65 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2015[PDF • 6.86 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements 2014[PDF • 4.22 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2013[PDF • 1004.64 kb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2012[PDF • 1.41 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2011[PDF • 1.2 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2009[PDF • 1.33 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2008[PDF • 3.01 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2007[PDF • 2.43 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2006[PDF • 3.29 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2004[PDF • 326.03 kb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2003[PDF • 3.93 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2002[PDF • 8.2 mb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2001[PDF • 5.86 mb]
- Australian Amateur Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 1982[PDF • 4.05 mb]
Australian Weightlifting Federation Annual Report 2005 not held.
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Strategic Plan 2015-2018[PDF • 223.92 kb]
- Australian Weightlifting Federation Strategic Plan 2010-2014[PDF • 460.99 kb]
