After a break for war, the bantamweight division is added in London in 1948.

This is the first change to the Olympic weightlifting programme since 1920. 

American Joseph De Pietro claims the inaugural crown, while compatriots Frank Spellman, Stanley Stanczyk and John Davis win the middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight gold medals respectively to place the United States on top of the pile.

Egypt win the two other titles available.

China prove to be the dominant nation for the fourth successive Olympics at London 2012 as they win five gold medals.

Lightweight Lin Qingfeng and middleweight Lü Xiaojun both win men's gold for China, while flyweight Wang Mingjuan, lightweight Li Xueying and super heavyweight Zhou Lulu take top honours in women's competitions.

For Lü, it is the first of his three Olympic golds in a row.