Topic: Are the Lifters Using Knee Wraps?

[Bobby Kennedy]

It looks like several of the lifters in the Olympics are using what appears to be powerlifting knee wraps. It that what it is or is it something else? I guess that would be legal now I assume.

[Paul LaDuke]

I don't think that knee wraps have never been illegal, just not popularly used.  Most weightlifters have chosen to use a sleeve rather than a wrap.  The rules only limit how much of the knee that the wrap can cover and that there must be some skin showing between the wrap/sleeve and the uniform.

Knee wraps haven't been used generally because they tend to restrict motion at the knee.  Wearing a knee wrap, especially wrapping it tight, tends to make the knee stiff.  Not something that I want to feel when I clean or snatch.  I would think it would hinder the starting stance and the lifters comfort in getting into the right position.

I can see the heavier lifters wanting to use them because their immense size would lessen their restrictive feel and the enormous weights that they move would make them a bit more effective.