USA Weightlifting, otherwise known as USAW, is the national governing body overseeing the sport of weightlifting in the United States. USAW is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), responsible for conducting weightlifting programs throughout the country, and a member of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). Top competitors are selected by USAW to compete in major international events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, World Junior Championships, Pan American Championships and Pan American Games. There are 45 state oriented Local Weightlifting Committees (LWC's). Each LWC promotes weightlifting programs and develops athletes in its region by holding local competitions and other programs. To compete in any USA Weightlifting sanctioned events, an athlete must be a current member of USAW. All athletes participating in USA Weightlifting activities may be subject to random drug testing, conducted via either the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). USA Weightlifting authorizes five National Championships in all age groups, giving athletes a chance to evaluate their competition nationwide. Top competitors are selected from the various National Championships to compete in major international events. The CEO oversees the USA Weightlifting National Office, which is located at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The CEO coordinates affairs with the US Olympic Committee (USOC), oversees national competitions and team selections, and supervises sponsorship and fundraising activities. National events National Championships The USA Weightlifting National Championships is the pinnacle Olympic weightlifting competition held in the United States. Open to registered USAW athletes (US citizens only) of all ages that reach the qualifying total in their weight class. American Open Open to registered USAW athletes of all ages that reach the qualifying total in their weight class. National Collegiate Championships Open to registered USAW athletes (US citizenship not required) currently registered at accredited colleges throughout the United States, who reach the qualifying total in their weight class. Athletes competing at the National Collegiate Championships cannot be younger than 15 or older than 28, as of December 31 of the year in which they are competing at this event. National Junior Championships Open to registered USAW athletes (US citizens only) that reach the qualifying total in their weight class. Athletes competing at the National Juniors cannot be younger than 18 or older than 20, as of December 31 of the year in which they are competing at this event. National School Age Championships