Para powerlifting is a bench press competition that tests upper body strength. There is only one sport discipline in powerlifting, but the athletes compete in different weight categories.
Weightlifting, which served as a precursor to powerlifting, made its Paralympic debut at the Tokyo 1964 Games. Powerlifting was first included as a Paralympic sport 20 years later in 1984. It wasn't until the Sydney Games in 2000 that a women's powerlifting competition was introduced at the Paralympics.
Brief overview of the rules
Each lifter chooses the weight to load on to the bar. With the assistance of a coach, the athlete first removes the bar from the racks and, at the referee’s command, lowers the bar to their chest, pauses, then presses it upwards until their arms are fully extended, with their elbows locked (subject to any medical condition). When the referee considers that the athlete has completed the lift, they give the rack command, and the lifter can place the bar back on the racks. The three judges then indicate whether the attempt was successful or unsuccessful. Athletes are given three attempts and the athlete who lifts the heaviest weight wins.
There are 20 powerlifting events – 10 weight categories for both men and women. There is no classification.
