Inaugural National Under 23 Championships to Lift Off at Nationals Week in Colorado Springs

This summer, athletes will have a new way to claim glory as USA Weightlifting announced today the creation of The Nike Under 23 National Championships powered by Rogue Fitness. The competition will debut at the 2023 USA Weightlifting Nationals Week set for June 24 to July 2 in Colorado Springs. 

While the exact competition dates will be confirmed later, USA Weightlifting is aiming to hold the event from Tuesday, June 27 to Thursday, June 29, concurrently with the National Junior Championships.

"This new competition will offer a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete against their peers in a fair and exciting environment,” said Pedro Meloni, USA Weightlifting Director of Events and Sponsorships. “We can't wait to see the first-ever medalists of this new championship and we hope that it will inspire more athletes to work hard to make it to the Nationals stage.” 

The Under 23 National Championships provides a valuable opportunity for athletes transitioning from the Junior to Senior age category. With the peak performance of weightlifting athletes typically occurring between the ages of 25-27, USA Weightlifting believes the new Under 23 National Championship will be an essential component in retaining athletes within the sport.

USA Weightlifting hopes the new competition further motivates athletes in their early 20s to keep pushing until they are able to compete head-to-head with more experienced athletes. 

Qualification dates and totals for the Under 23 Championships mirror those of the Junior National Championships. Registration is open now on BARS. While designed for athletes aged 21 to 23, any member between the ages of 15-23 can register for the competition provided they meet the qualifying requirements. 

The addition of the new competition also creates new pathways for athlete funding in USA Weightlifting’s updated stipend system, providing financial support to younger athletes pursuing their weightlifting dreams.

USA Weightlifting remains committed to supporting and growing the sport of weightlifting in the United States and the addition of the Under 23 National Championships is a significant step towards achieving this goal. 

Members with questions may contact events@usaweightlifting.org.