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Classes
Traditionally, taekwondo competitions consist of 16 weight classes, eight for men and eight for women. In the Olympics, there are only eight classes -- four for each gender -- because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) limits the total number of taekwondo entrants to 128 (64 men, 64 women). The weight divisions in Beijing are broader than those used in other competitions and are therefore labeled as Olympic classes. Starting in 2008, two bronzes will be awarded in each weight class.
Men's Weight Divisions
· Olympic Flyweight: Competitors must weigh no more than 58kg (128 lbs)
· Olympic Featherweight: Competitors must weigh no more than 68kg (150 lbs)
· Olympic Welterweight: Competitors must weigh no more than 80kg (176 lbs)
· Olympic Heavyweight: Competitors must weigh more than 80kg (176 lbs)
Women's Weight Divisions
· Olympic Flyweight: Competitors must weigh no more than 49kg (108 lbs)
· Olympic Featherweight: Competitors must weigh no more than 57kg (126 lbs)
· Olympic Welterweight: Competitors must weigh no more than 67kg (148 lbs)
· Olympic Heavyweight: Competitors must weigh more than 67kg (148 lbs)
Weigh-in
To ensure that a competitor is eligible to compete in his or her weight class, weigh-ins are held the day before the scheduled competition. Athletes wear underwear during the weigh-in, but can choose to be weighed in the nude. To help eliminate disqualifications, athletes are given access to replica scales so they can check their status in advance of the official weigh-in.
