Powerlifing is the ultimate test of upper body strength. Competitors must lower the bar to the chest, hold it motionless on the chest and then press it upwards to arms length with locked elbows. The bench press is the only discipline with 10 different categories based on body weight. The competition is open to all athletes with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, amputees (lower limb amputees only) and les autres who meet the minimal disability criteria. It was first included in the Paralympic program at the Tokyo 1964 Paralympic Games and women participated in this sport for the first time in Sydney in 2000. Powerlifting is governed by the IPC through the International Paralympic Powerlifting Committee (IPPC), founded in 1989, and is currently practiced in 115 countries.

(Credit: IPC. Click here for further information.)