In 1950, the first women's weightlifting competition was held in the Soviet Union, marking a major milestone for the sport. Over the next few decades, women's weightlifting continued to grow in popularity, with more countries establishing women's weightlifting programs and competitions. In 1986, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) officially recognized women's weightlifting as a competitive sport, paving the way for women to compete on the international stage. The first women's weightlifting World Championships were held in 1987 in Daytona Beach, Florida, with athletes from around the world competing for the title of world champion.