Which of the following are the two main Olympic lifts?

The two main Olympic lifts are the snatch and the clean and jerk. The snatch is a single, continuous motion where the lifter lifts the barbell from the ground to overhead in one fluid movement. It requires a combination of strength, technique, and speed. The clean and jerk, on the other hand, is a two-part lift. In the clean, the lifter brings the barbell from the ground to shoulder level. Then, in the jerk, they explosively lift it from the shoulders to overhead. These lifts are highly technical and are key components of the sport of Olympic weightlifting.

Understanding the distinction between Olympic lifts and other types of lifts, such as the back squat, deadlift, bench press, or variations like the power clean, is crucial for anyone training or coaching in weightlifting. The other options involve lifts that may be essential in strength training but are not classified as Olympic lifts, which focus specifically on those two dynamic movements performed in international competition. This specificity underscores the precise nature and recognition of the snatch and clean and jerk in the context of Olympic weightlifting.