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Classes
For the 2008 Olympic judo competition, there are 14 weight classes, identical to those used at the 2004 Athens Games. The breakdown is as follows (numbers reflect maximum weight allowed; pound conversions are unofficial):
Men
· Extra lightweight: 60kg (132 lbs)
· Half lightweight: 66kg (145 lbs)
· Lightweight: 73kg (161 lbs)
· Half middleweight: 81kg (178 lbs)
· Middleweight: 90kg (198 lbs)
· Half heavyweight: 100kg (220 lbs)
· Heavyweight: unlimited; competitors must weigh more than 100kg (220 lbs)
Women
· Extra lightweight: 48kg (106 lbs)
· Half lightweight: 52kg (114 lbs)
· Lightweight: 57kg (125 lbs)
· Half middleweight: 63kg (139 lbs)
· Middleweight: 70kg (154 lbs)
· Half heavyweight: 78kg (172 lbs)
· Heavyweight: unlimited; competitors must weigh more than 78 kg (172 lbs)
Weigh in
To ensure that each judoka meets the weight requirements of his or her class, an official weigh-in takes place between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on the day of the competition. The weigh-in is supervised by officials appointed by the International Judo Federation. Athletes are allowed to check their weights on the same scales that are used for the official weigh-in one hour prior to the official weigh-in. After an athlete's name is called he or she can only be weighed once. The weights are recorded in kilograms. Judokas are weighed naked or wearing only gymnastic underclothing.
