USA Weightlifting has posted a profit in 2020 ©USA Weightlifting

USA Weightlifting has announced a profit of $925,000 (£680,000/€765,000) for 2020 despite disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The national governing body said it was boosted by the continued support of its existing sponsors, as well as signing additional deals.

New online events and products established during the pandemic were also seen as crucial to supporting the organisation, which saw a decline in membership numbers.

USA Weightlifting said 80 per cent of members continued to support the organisation through virtual events, camps, selection events, a new speaker series, and coaching courses.

USA Weightlifting chief executive Phil Andrews said the organisation achieved its main aims of ensuring there were no job losses among staff and athlete funding remained in place despite the challenges of the pandemic.

USA Weightlifting thanked sponsors and partners for their support during 2020 ©USA Weightlifting
USA Weightlifting thanked sponsors and partners for their support during 2020 ©USA Weightlifting

"The past 12 months have been incredibly difficult for businesses of all sizes and in every sector, and 2021 will again require a great deal of flexibility and adaptation if organisations are to survive," Andrews said.

"No one could have foreseen the challenges we would have to face, but I’m in awe of how the weightlifting community has rallied around to ensure the long-term outlook of our sport remains healthy.

"The most important thing for me was ensuring there would be no job losses among staff and that athlete funding was not reduced, something that I’m delighted to say we have achieved.

"We can take great pride in what we have achieved in 2020 but are acutely aware of the tough task that awaits us this year.

"We remain hopeful that we’ll soon return to in-person competition and that our elite athletes will be able to compete at the Tokyo Olympics, where we hope for our best success in 60 years."

USA Weightlifting said less than two per cent of its income comes from Government or National Olympic Committee funding, leaving the organisation reliant on fundraising, membership and sponsorship.

The organisation highlighted fundraising efforts in August, which saw $71,292 (£52,400/€59,000) raised to support regional clubs and assist with national competitions in the lead up to Tokyo 2020.

Over 670 individuals donated to the cause.