(66) Foundation Strength and Vertical Jump Metrics as Predictors of Olympic Weightlifting Performance in Elite Weightlifters

Purpose: Foundation strength exercises are integral components of weightlifters’ training, while vertical jumps are commonly used to evaluate performance status and physical readiness. This study aimed to investigate the associations of both foundational strength and vertical jump metrics with weightlifting performance in elite-level weightlifters. Methods: Nineteen male and female weightlifters, ranging from national to world-class levels (Sinclair total: 316 ± 91 points), participated in this study. They performed their routine tests, which consisted of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength assessments (deadlift [DL], back squat [BSQ], overhead press [OHP] and isometric mid-thigh pull [IMTP]), as well as jump exercises (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SQJ], and drop jump [DJ] from 40 cm height). Selected variables included the absolute and allometric values for 1-RM strength; as well as peak force, peak power, and jump height in SQJ, along with propulsive impulse and modified reactive strength index (mRSI) in CMJ; and contact time, jump height and RSI in DJ. The best snatch, clean and jerk, and total performances were recorded within two months of assessment, which was conducted during the competition period. Spearman’s correlation was employed to assess associations, and multiple regression was utilized to analyze performance variance. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The results indicated that absolute and allometric values of BSQ, OHP, and IMTP, as well as the absolute DL strength (not allometric value), exhibited very strong to almost perfect correlations with snatch, clean and jerk, and total (p < 0.001, r = 0.87–0.93). Similarly, absolute values in SQJ and CMJ peak force, peak power, and impulse were correlated very strongly to almost perfect (p < 0.001, r = 0.80–0.93) with weightlifting performances. However, the correlations with allometric 1-RM strength; as well as relative values, jump height, mRSI in SQJ and CMJ, and all DJ parameters appeared inconsistent (r = 0.10–0.64) and mostly at moderate magnitudes. Considering all variables, DL alone accounted for 95% of variance in total weightlifting (R² = 0.954, SE = 16.43), and improved to 97% with the addition of OHP (R² = 0.966, SE = 14.68). Conclusions: Maximum lower- and upper-body strength are key determinants of elite weightlifting performance, with DL alone explaining 95% of variance, increasing to 97% with the addition of OHP. Absolute CMJ and SJ metrics (peak force, peak power, impulse) are reliable indicators of weightlifting performance, whereas jump height and DJ parameters appeared less consistent. These findings confirm the critical role of absolute strength and explosive force production in Olympic weightlifting. Practical Applications: Maximizing foundation strength, including in deadlift, overhead press, and back squat, is requisite to elite weightlifting performance. Coaches should prioritize increasing absolute strength and explosive force production, as these are strongly relevant to weightlifting performance and can be used to assess neuromuscular capabilities and athletes’ status, while jump height and drop jump metrics may be less promising indicators. Acknowledgements: We thank all athletes and coaches who were involved in the study.