Powerlifting Paralympics

The powerlifting events at the 2024 Summer Paralympics are taking place between September 4 and 8 at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena in Paris, France . There are 20 events in total, consisting of 10 events for both men and women ¹. The men’s events include the 49kg, 54kg, 59kg, 65kg, 72kg, 80kg, 88kg, 97kg, 107kg, and +107kg divisions, while the women’s events include the 41kg, 45kg, 50kg, 55kg, 61kg, 67kg, 73kg, 79kg, 86kg, and +86kg divisions .

The sport represents the ultimate test of upper body strength, with athletes competing in the bench press discipline . Competitors must lower the bar to their chest, hold it motionless on the chest, and then press it upwards to arms-length with locked elbows . Athletes are given three attempts, and the winner is the athlete who lifts the highest number of kilograms .

Here are the rules for powerlifting at the Paralympics:

1. Eligibility: Athletes must have a minimum level of disability, which is defined as a physical impairment that affects their ability to compete in able-bodied powerlifting.
2. Classes: Athletes are divided into weight classes and disability classes to ensure fair competition.
3. Equipment: The competition uses standardized equipment, including a bench press, barbell, and weights.
4. Lifts: Athletes perform the bench press lift, which involves lowering the bar to their chest, holding it motionless, and then pressing it upwards to arms-length with locked elbows.
5. Attempts: Athletes have three attempts to lift their maximum weight.
6. Scoring: The athlete with the highest total lift (kg) wins.
7. Rules for lift execution: The lift must be executed with the athlete’s feet flat on the floor, shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench, and hands gripping the barbell with the palms facing forward.
8. Disqualification: Athletes can be disqualified for violating rules, such as failing to lower the bar to their chest or not holding it motionless.
9. Protests: Coaches or team officials can protest a lift or a decision, which is reviewed by a jury.
10. Anti-doping: Athletes must adhere to anti-doping regulations and may be subject to testing.

These rules ensure a fair and safe competition for all athletes.

Here are some additional details about powerlifting at the Paralympics:

Powerlifting Classes:
There are 10 classes for men and 10 classes for women, based on body weight and disability type. The classes are:

• Men: 49kg, 54kg, 59kg, 65kg, 72kg, 80kg, 88kg, 97kg, 107kg, and +107kg
• Women: 41kg, 45kg, 50kg, 55kg, 61kg, 67kg, 73kg, 79kg, 86kg, and +86kg

Disability Types:
Powerlifters compete in the following disability types:

• Physical impairment (e.g., muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury)
• Amputations (upper or lower limb)
• Cerebral palsy
• Spinal cord injury
• Les Autres (other disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis or arthritis)

Competition Format:

• Athletes are grouped by weight class and disability type
• Each athlete has three attempts to lift their maximum weight
• The athlete with the highest total lift (kg) wins
• In case of a tie, the athlete with the lowest body weight wins

Equipment:

• Bench press machine
• Barbell
• Weights
• Safety racks

Rules for Lift Execution:

• Athletes must lower the bar to their chest, hold it motionless, and then press it upwards to arms-length with locked elbows
• Feet must be flat on the floor, shoulders and buttocks in contact with the bench
• Hands must grip the barbell with palms facing forward

Penalties and Disqualification:

• Athletes can be disqualified for violating rules, such as failing to lower the bar to their chest or not holding it motionless
• Penalties can be given for errors in lift execution or equipment use