Weightlifting

Weightlifting is the second most affected sport by doping globally, with 1,666 registered cases (11.4% of all violations). Russian Federation leads in violations with 182 cases, while Stanozolol is the most frequently detected substance (252 cases). The average suspension length is 34.9 months. Weightlifting ranks #2 globally among all sports tracked by the Anti-Doping Database..

Number of cases in Weightlifting Last 10 Years

International Weightlifting Federation

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Sport Global Ranking
Global Ranking: #2 of 178 sports

1,666

Weightlifting cases

11.4%

Of all violations

14,670

Total global cases
Weightlifting's share of all violations 11.4%
1,666 of 14,670

Weightlifting leads significantly in anti-doping rule violations globally, with 1,666 registered cases11.4% of all 14,670 verified cases in the Anti-Doping Database. Ranking among the top 3 most affected sports globally.

Number of cases in Weightlifting By Country
Top Country: Russian Federation

182

Russian Federation cases

10.9%

Of global cases

1,666

Total Weightlifting cases
Russian Federation's share of Weightlifting violations 10.9%
182 of 1,666

Russian Federation has the most violations in Weightlifting with 182 registered violations, though cases are more evenly distributed globally. This represents 10.9% of the sport's 1,666 total cases globally.

The average suspension length for sanctioned Weightlifting athletes in Russian Federation is 34.9 months, longer than the global average of 30.1 months.

Substance use in Weightlifting
Most Detected Substance: Stanozolol

252

Weightlifting cases

15.1%

Of sport cases

1,359

Global Stanozolol cases
Stanozolol's share of Weightlifting violations 15.1%
252 of 1,666

Stanozolol has the most violations in Weightlifting with 252 violations out of 1,666 total cases (15.1%). Representing a substantial portion of cases.

Globally, Stanozolol has been detected in 1,359 cases across all sports, ranking #1 among all prohibited substances.

The average suspension length for Stanozolol violations is 34.9 months, longer than the global average of 30.1 months.


Stanozolol is a man-made steroid, similar to the a naturally occurring steroid testosterone. It is used in the treatment of hereditary angioedema, which causes episodes of swelling of the face, extremities, genitals, bowel wall, and throat. The steroid may decrease the frequency and severity of these attacks. Stanozolol is a steroid with anabolic properties (i.e. it accelerates bone and muscle growth). Stanozolol is responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and secondary male sexual characteristics such as hairiness, deep voice, etc. It is available as a tablet or injection. Anabolic steroids have some medical uses such as to build muscle in bed-ridden and immobile patients and in the treatment of some rare causes of anaemia. Anabolic steroids are primarily abused by young men to improve their body image and by athletes and body builders. It is because of this that illegal anabolic steroids are mainly found in the gym or health club scenes. The effect people seek from anabolic steroid use is an increase in muscle mass either for an improvement in appearance or sporting performance and to lower training fatigue. Side effects Possible side effects of stanozolol include liver damage, development of breast tissue, menstrual disturbances, hair loss, deepened voice, acne and infertility. Status in Sport Stanozolol is prohibited both in and out of competition under the World Anti-Doping Code 2006 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/06). This substance was added to the doping list ahead of the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games.

If you use this statistics, please credit The Anti-Doping Database

Number of Active Sanctions Ending Year for Weightlifting
Gender Distribution
Male 74.3
1240 cases
Female 25.7
430 cases
Analysis: Weightlifting shows an unusually high proportion of female cases (25.7%) compared to the global average (19.8%), a difference of 5.9 percentage points. Global average: 80.2% male, 19.8% female

About International Weightlifting Federation

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The Anti-Doping Database currently contains 14,670 verified anti-doping rule violations across all sports and all countries, and is updated regularly.