Powerlifting
Power Lifting
Basics
A Paralympic sport since 1964 at the second Paralympics in Tokyo
The bench press is the only discipline and the winner is the athlete who lifts the highest number of kilograms in three attempts
Women have only been allowed to compete in the sport since Sydney 2000
Who can participate?
At first only men with spinal injuries could compete, nowadays women and men of all disabilities including dwarfs, cerebral palsy and amputees compete. There are 10 categories of competitors for men and women. Athletes compete against each other determined on bodyweight not disability. Additions to the bodyweight are made for amputees.
Where in the world?
Powerlifting is currently practiced in more than 100 countries. China, Egypt and Iran dominated at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.
What’s near me?
To find out how to become involved in powerlifting please contact Gideon Griffiths using the email address below.
Further information
Email British Weightlifting Association for the Disabled
