Lima, Peru will host hundreds of the world’s most promising young weightlifters this spring. Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Summary
From April 30 to May 5, 2025, Lima, Peru, will host the merged IWF Youth & Junior World Weightlifting Championships, uniting athletes up to 17 and 20 years old in one dynamic event. This six-day competition, featuring current weight categories, reflects growth and offers a unique record-setting opportunity for emerging talent.
Youth and Junior weightlifters are set to share the world stage this spring. In April, Lima, Peru will host a combined World Weightlifting Championships event for the up-and-coming generation of weightlifting talent.
Remind Me: The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) typically hosts World-level events for Youth (athletes up to age 17) and Junior (up to age 20) separately in the spring and summer.
The 2025 IWF Youth & Junior World Championships will take place between Apr. 30 and May 5, 2025 , in Lima’s National Sport Village. “We hope to see you soon in our country which will amaze you with the warmth of its people!” says Renzo Vitto Fabrizio Manyari Velazco, President of the Peruvian Weightlifting Federation.
Here’s what we know so far about the event, what it means for weightlifting, and what you can expect from Weightlifting House.
The strongest junior weightlifter in the world, Ali Rubaiawi (IRQ +109)
2025 Youth & Junior World Weightlifting Championships: First Impressions
The City of Kings hosted Youth Worlds in 2024; also a two-platform event. In ‘25, Youth and Junior weightlifters will compete simultaneously and side-by-side across six full days of competition.
In his invitation to the IWF, President Velazco also remarked on Peru’s growing reputation as a Pan-American weightlifting powerhouse, saying, “[Peru] is expected in the near future to start adding Olympic medals with the team that is currently on the rise.” Of course, he’s not the only one who’s enthusiastic.
“We’re excited,” adds Weightlifting House founder and lead commentator Seb Ostrowicz. “A single, larger event, rather than two smaller ones, should help the competition reach ‘escape velocity’ and provide more visibility for the athletes along with a thrilling experience for the fans"
- Strength in Numbers: Youth and Junior international weightlifting competitions have seen an uptick in participation in recent years. 350 athletes from 64 countries performed at Juniors in 2024 — up 48% from 2019.
WLHOUSE - Ingrid Segura (COL), Youth & Junior World Champion
Most Popular Products of the Month
2025 Youth & Junior World Weightlifting Championships: The Details
The competition may be months away, but it’s never too early to prepare — the athletes certainly are. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Youth & Junior World Weightlifting Championships:
Preliminary athlete entry lists were submitted on Jan. 30, 2025. After this date, new athletes may not be added.
Countries may field a team of up to 20 athletes per gender and age group.
Final entries must be submitted to the IWF no later than Mar. 30, 2025.
Finalized rosters must contain up to 12 athletes per gender and age group; 10 competitors and two reserves.
The IWF’s updated bodyweight categories do not apply to this competition.
Athletes born in 2008, ‘09, or ‘10 are eligible to compete in both the Youth and Junior events if they meet specific IWF requirements.
WLHOUSE - USA's Caden Cahoy (-73kg) won the 2024 Junior World Weightlifting Championships
For additional information and resources, refer to the IWF’s official competition regulations .
One Big Thing: In Dec. 2024, the IWF ratified a collection of new bodyweight categories effective Jun. 1, 2025. As such, this year’s Youth & Junior World Weightlifting Championships stand as one of the final opportunities for young weightlifters to ink themselves into the IWF’s record books. For athletes outside of Asia, it’s the last chance.
Stay tuned to Weightlifting House for additional information about coverage and broadcasting of the 2025 Youth & Junior World Weightlifting Championships!
