Sinclair Score Halterofilismo

Sinclair Coefficient: comparing weightlifters

The Sinclair coefficient normalizes Olympic weightlifting totals (snatch + clean and jerk) across body weights, letting a 56 kg flyweight be compared with a 109+ kg super-heavyweight. The formula is Sinclair = Total × 10^(A·(log10(BW/B))²) when bodyweight is below world-record holder B, and equals the total otherwise. The IWF updates the A and B coefficients every Olympic cycle (4 years). A Sinclair above 400 indicates world-class level; Lasha Talakhadze (GEO, +109 kg) holds the highest Olympic totals ever lifted in absolute terms but rarely tops Sinclair charts since super-heavyweights are the reference.

Applications

Used in Olympic weightlifting to rank athletes across weight classes, settle "best lifter" awards at meets, compare performances between Olympic cycles, and in Brazil for CBLB rankings and Pan-American Games qualification standards.

FAQ

Sinclair vs Wilks? Sinclair is the official IWF standard for Olympic weightlifting; Wilks (and now IPF GL) is used in powerlifting. They are not interchangeable.

Why does it change every 4 years? The IWF recalibrates A and B based on the latest world-record holder in the heaviest class, keeping the coefficient calibrated to current performance.

Does Sinclair work for super-heavyweights? For lifters at or above the reference bodyweight B, Sinclair equals the raw total — no bonus is applied.