What formula is used to compare loads of Olympic weightlifters?

The correct formula to compare loads of Olympic weightlifters is calculated using load lifted divided by body weight raised to the power of two-thirds (BW^2/3). This choice is commonly used in strength and conditioning to assess performance relative to body weight, allowing for a standardized way to compare athletes of different sizes.

Using the load lifted divided by body weight raised to the power of two-thirds accounts for the fact that strength does not scale directly with body weight. As athletes increase in size, their muscle mass and overall body mass do not increase proportionately. Therefore, this adjustment helps to normalize performance metrics across a range of body sizes and allows for fairer comparisons between athletes who might be heavier or lighter.

The other formulas presented do not effectively adjust for the differences in body proportions and muscle mass distribution typically seen in athletes of varying sizes. For example, dividing by body weight alone does not take into account how body composition can influence strength. Similarly, dividing by body weight squared or multiplying load by body weight do not provide the same level of insight into performance relative to body size.

Using the load lifted divided by body weight raised to the power of two-thirds effectively captures these nuances, which is why this formulation is favored in the analysis of Olympic weightlif