Powerlifting explained by Siow Lee Chan.
A fantastic visual clarification provided by the IPC.


Powerlifting: The ultimate test of upper body strength

It is open to male and female athletes with the following:

Eight eligible physical impairments

  1. impaired muscle power
  2. impaired passive range of movement
  3. limb deficiency
  4. leg length difference
  5. short stature
  6. hypertonia
  7. ataxia
  8. athetosis

… with a range of physical disabilities, including

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Spinal Cord injuries
  • Lower Limb Amputation
  • Poliomyelitis

… who meet the current minimal eligibility criteria and can perform, safely and appropriately, according to the IPC Powerlifting rules. All eligible athletes compete in one sport class, but in different weight categories.

The bench press is the sport’s single discipline.

Athletes are given three attempts and the winner is the athlete who lifts the highest number of kilograms.


Some of these athletes can lift more than three times their body weight


The XX Commonwealth Games will be staging both Men and Women’s Powerlifting on Saturday 2nd August at the Clyde Auditorium. Both women’s groups (Lightweight, up to 61kg/Heavyweight from 61.1kg) start at 10am. The men’s Lightweight (up to 72kg) starts at 2pm with the Heavyweight (from 72.1kg) rounding off the evening at 6pm. 

*Source information courtesy the International Paralympic Committee.