How many competitive lifts are there in Olympic weightlifting?

In Olympic weightlifting, there are two competitive lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Athletes must perform these lifts in competition to achieve their maximum lift. The snatch involves lifting the barbell from the ground to an overhead position in one continuous motion, while the clean and jerk is a two-part lift where the athlete first lifts the barbell to the shoulders (the clean) and then jerks it overhead. Each athlete is typically allowed three attempts at each lift, and their highest successful lift in each category is combined to determine their total score. This structured format allows for a clear and competitive atmosphere, as well as a fair assessment of each athlete's strength and technique.