Maximal human power output can best be evaluated by studying a physical activity of very short duration that requires a maximal exertion from the large muscle groups of the body. Vertical jumping is the most frequently used activity for measurement of power capacity. When instantaneous values of power output were determined, as opposed to average values for the entire jump, they were found to approach estimated limits (e.g., Wilkie, 1960;​ Rennie and Davies, 1968). The competitive Olympic lifts are known to consist of phases which can be classified as jumping upward with the barbell (e.g., second pull of the snatch or clean, and jerk thrust). Due to the loads involved and speed of movement the power output was expected to be very high. However, relatively low values were reported in several investigations (Fletcher et al., 1958;​ Nelson and Burdett, 1978) due to simplified calculation methods. Development of more precise methods resulted in much larger power values with world champion weightlifters generating higher power outputs than any previously reported. Absolute values were found as high as 6000 watts for a super­-heavyweight lifter while relative values ranged from 31 to 37 watts/kg across bodyweight divisions. The magnitudes of power output for various phases of the competitive lifting movements were found to exhibit consistencies which could be associated with the corresponding movement speeds in a manner related to the classical force-velocity (F-V) relationship for skeletal muscle. Recently, evidence for a typical F-V relationship for another multi-segment activity with varying loads (vertical jumping) has been presented (Komi, 1979;​ Tsarouchas and Klissouras, 1979). Energy flow analysis of Olympic lifting movements indicated the primary importance of leg and hip musculature as is the case for jumping. In order to explain the high power output for the relatively slow jerk thrust movement the concept of stored elastic energy was utilized. It appeared that in addition to training, one reason for the near maximal power outputs of Olympic lifters was the utilization of previously stored elastic energy.