Powerlifting
Introduction
Powerlifting is the ultimate test of upper body strength. Athletes with a disability compete in the bench press. Competition is open to men and women of all ages and sizes. Powerlifting follows the same rules as able-bodied bench press.
Powerlifting was first introduced as a Paralympic sport in 1964 at the second Paralympic Games in Tokyo as ‘Weightlifting’. The name was later changed to ‘Powerlifting’.
All images © to Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association
How to PowerLift
To perform a bench press a lifter lies on a bench and the bar is supported on racks behind the lifter's head. The bar is taken from the racks at arms' length, lowered to the chest and pressed back to arms' length. The athletes are given three attempts and the winner is the athlete who lifts the greatest number of kilograms.
Who can Participate in Powerlifting
Impairment Type
To be eligible for powerlifting athletes must have a physical impairment and meet the following minimal disability criteria.
| Physical Impairment | Minimal Disability Guide |
| Limb Loss or Deficiency | Leg: Single amputation above the ankle joint. |
| Loss of Muscle Strength | Leg: Loss of strength in a hip, knee, ankle or foot that impacts on the ability to stand. |
| Hypertonia, Ataxia, Athetosis | Hypertonia (Spasticity, Rigidity or Dystonia), Ataxiaor Athetosis that leads to impairment in function in lower limb. |
| Short Stature | Adults standing height less than or equal to 145cm (males) / 140cm (females). |
| Joint Movement Restrictions | Leg-Joint movement restriction in one hip or knee that impacts on the ability to stand. |
| Leg Length Difference | The difference between legs should be at least 7cm. |
Classification
Each athlete is classified as eligible or not eligible based on whether they meet the minimal disability criteria. To test the minimal disability criteria classifiers observe athletes as they perform a range of movements. They test for muscle power, coordination and range of movement. They also measure the length of the athlete’s lower limbs.
Eligible athletes are divided into ten weight categories based on gender. Females and males compete separately.
| Females | Males | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 41.00kg class | Up to 41.00kg | 49.00kg class | Up to 49.00kg |
| 45.00kg class | 41.01 - 45.00kg | 54.00kg class | 49.01 - 54.00kg |
| 50.00kg class | 45.01 - 50.00kg | 59.00kg class | 54.01 - 59.00kg |
| 55.00kg class | 50.01 - 55.00kg | 65.00kg class | 59.01 - 65.00kg |
| 61.00kg class | 55.01 - 61.00kg | 72.00kg class | 65.01 - 72.00kg |
| 67.00kg class | 61.01 - 67.00kg | 80.00kg class | 72.01 - 80.00kg |
| 73.00kg class | 67.01 - 73.00kg | 88.00kg class | 80.01 - 88.00kg |
| 79.00kg class | 73.01 - 79.00kg | 97.00kg class | 88.01 - 97.00kg |
| 86.00kg class | 79.01 - 86.00kg | 107.00kg class | 97.01 - 107.00kg |
| 86.00kg+ class | 86.01kg+ | 107.00kg+ class | 107.01kg+ |
For more information click here to download the Powerlifting Classification Information sheet
How Do I Get Classified?
If you have further questions on classification please contact the Paralympics Australia
E: classification@paralympic.org.au
P: +61 2 9704 0500.
Where can you participate?
AUSTRALIA
Powerlifting Australia
Click here to contact
https://powerliftingaustralia.com/
STATE / TERRITORIES
New South Wales
Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT
P: +61 2 9809 5260
https://www.wsnsw.org.au/para-powerlifting/
Queensland
Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association
P: +61 7 3253 3333
http://www.sportingwheelies.org.au/
Victoria
Disability Sport & Recreation
P: +61 3 9473 0133
http://www.dsr.org.au/
Western Australia
Physique Training
P: 0466 263 839
http://www.physiquetraining.com.au
Resources
Videos
Intro to Powerlifting from Australian Paralympic Committee
Classification from International Paralympic Committee
Documents
International Rules from the International Paralympic Committee
Referee Pathway from Powerlifting Australia