World record progression men's weightlifting (1998–2018)

This entry documents the progression of world records in men's weightlifting across all weight classes as recognized by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2018. This specific timeframe is chosen because significant changes in weight classes were enacted at the end of 1997, and again in 2018. Therefore, this period represents a relatively stable era in terms of weight class definitions, allowing for meaningful comparison of records.

The records tracked include those officially ratified by the IWF for the following lifts:

• Snatch: The lifter raises the barbell from the floor to an overhead position in one continuous movement.

• Clean and Jerk: The lifter raises the barbell from the floor to the shoulders (the clean) and then from the shoulders to an overhead position (the jerk).

• Total: The combined total of the lifter's best successful snatch and clean and jerk attempts.

For each weight class, the entry would typically list:

• Weight Class: The official weight class designation (e.g., 56kg, 62kg, 69kg, etc.).

• Lift: (Snatch, Clean and Jerk, Total)

• Record (kg): The weight of the record in kilograms.

• Athlete: The name of the athlete who set the record.

• Nation: The nation the athlete represented.

• Date: The date on which the record was set.

• Location: The city and country where the record was set.

The information provided aims to capture the evolution of elite performance in men's weightlifting within this designated period, providing a historical overview of record-breaking achievements and the athletes responsible for them. Note that records set before 1998 are not included, nor are records set after 2018.