Which sport is considered primarily anaerobic?

Olympic weightlifting is considered primarily anaerobic because it involves short bursts of high-intensity activity that rely heavily on the body's anaerobic energy systems. In Olympic weightlifting, athletes lift maximum weights for very short periods, often lasting only a few seconds. This type of exertion taps into the phosphagen system, which provides immediate energy for intense activities but depletes quickly, typically within 10 seconds.

In contrast, other sports listed involve varying energy systems. Marathon running, for instance, is predominantly aerobic, as it requires prolonged, steady-state endurance efforts. Cycling and swimming can also have both aerobic and anaerobic components depending on the intensity and duration of the effort. However, the nature of Olympic weightlifting distinctly emphasizes explosive, short-duration performances that align with anaerobic conditioning and energy utilization, marking it as the primary anaerobic sport among the choices provided.