In brief
At the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, IWF general secretary Jose Quinones warned that weightlifting must evolve to attract younger audiences, or it risks becoming a fossil sport. The federation has introduced strict anti‑doping reforms and is experimenting with new competition formats, including mixed‑team events. Quinones emphasized the need for clean competition and role models to inspire the next generation.
At the worldstage of the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China, International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) general secretary Jose Quinones issued a warning that the Olympic sport could become a “dinosaur” if it fails to innovate to attract younger audiences.
In an interview conducted by Xinhua on the sidelines of the competition, Quinones said the sport’s continued relevance relies on adapting to new fans while keeping its core values of fairness and cleanliness.
"How can you remain competitive and clean against people who don't have the same values?"
Quinones put this question in the context of a global shift toward newer entertainment forms that lack stringent anti‑doping oversight, which can create a perception that Olympic sports are outdated.
The IWF has faced intense scrutiny over its doping violations, especially after the retesting of 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games samples uncovered numerous cases and led to reduced Olympic quotas. In response, the federation has transferred doping control responsibilities to the independent International Testing Authority, raising the integrity of the testing process.
"We don't decide who will be tested; we decide, if it's a positive case, what the sanction will be. Everything is in third hands. In that way, we cannot control, we cannot hide anything,"
Quinones highlighted that testing has risen, including out‑of‑competition checks, with a fixed percentage of the IWF’s annual international budget dedicated to anti‑doping measures, education, and seminars. He noted, "In the last two Olympic Games we have zero doping cases," underscoring the federation’s progress.
Besides combating doping, the IWF is experimenting with formats designed to resonate with younger viewers. Earlier this year, a mixed‑team competition featuring two men and two women was trialed, and the federation has announced plans for public‑space competitions. It also intends to launch a refreshed international competition schedule for 2028 aimed at greater accessibility and visibility.
Quinones stressed the importance of role models, saying, "We need role models that can bring this youth to a clean society, through the sport. We're talking about our society, our community, the future of our youth generation."
The union’s message, captured by Xinhua, is one of urgency: weightlifting must marry innovation with unwavering commitment to clean sport to avoid the fate of a forgotten relic, while inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans.
