Vancouver, British Columbia – Even before the competition has begun, there is big news in terms of who is lifting and who is not.

Three-time Olympic gold medalists Pyrros Dimas and Kakhi Kakiashvili (both from Greece) will not be competing—both had been listed as starting in the 94-kg category.

Jaber Saeed Salem, a leading superheavyweight, will be competing (for Qatar), and is reported to be ready for world-record level lifts. Other big news is that two-time Olympic gold medalist Zhan Xugang (China) has come out of retirement and will be competing— putting even more heat on the already red hot 77-kg category.