According to organisers the event, the first of a three-part series leading up to the American Open Championships in December, has attracted nearly 600 lifters.

They claim the competition is a chance to present a new opportunity for lifters of all ages and weight categories to compete at the national level and gain more experience.

"We are thrilled to kick off this historical weekend here in Reno and look forward to watching new and veteran lifters alike step up to the platform," said Phil Andrews, the chief executive of USA Weightlifting.

"The American Open Series plays a pivotal role in our continual focus on growing and developing our membership base.

There are three platforms running simultaneously at the Reno Sparks Convention Centre with medals to be determined across numerous weight categories over the course of the weekend, with the event due to finish tomorrow.

Earlier this week Andrews and Russian Weightlifting Federation (RWF) President Maxim Agapitov held talks to discuss the progress made by the latter in regards to its anti-doping reforms.

The pair met in Anaheim in California where the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships are due to be hosted from November 29 to December 6 this year.

The progress made by the RWF in the fight against anti-doping was one of the key topics discussed.

Russia is appealing for leniency from the IWF in attempting to have a one-year ban overturned.

The RWF has made a number of reforms in recent months, including the suspension and investigation of many leading coaches.

Agapitov, who became President of the RWF in November, says the new anti-doping programme is "an example others could follow".

"We hope the suspension will be overturned by the IWF," he said.

Russian weightlifters were banned from Rio 2016 by the IWF for bringing the sport into disrepute. 

Apart from the Olympic ban, Russia is one of nine nations due to be suspended for a year when the IOC-led retesting process is complete.