Rules and Classification

What is it?

• Powerlifting is a type of weightlifting known as bench-press.

Who can participate in Powerlifting at the Paralympics?

• Powerlifting is open to athletes with physical disabilities such as paralysis, cerebral palsy, and lower limb amputations.
• There is no classification. Participants are divided into weight categories in the same way as able-bodied weightlifting athletes.

How is it played?

• An athlete lies on their back on a bench (a kind of table). They must take hold of the bar in both hands and lower it to their chest. They then hold the bar still, before lifting it upwards to arm’s length. At the top of the lift they must keep their elbows locked.
• An athlete's head, trunk (including buttocks), legs and both heels must be in contact with the bench throughout the lift.
• Athletes can be strapped to the bench with a single belt. The belt can be placed at any point on the legs from the ankles to the hips. Athletes with cerebral palsy can use two strapping belts.
• Amputee athletes are allowed to lift wearing an artificial limb.