Powerlifting

Lore & Background

The roots of powerlifting are found in traditions of strength training stretching back to ancient Mayan civilizations and ancient Persian times, with the idea originating in ancient Greece. The modern sport originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1950s. Previously, weightlifting governing bodies in both countries recognized various 'odd lifts' for competition. During the 1950s, Olympic weightlifting declined in the United States, and people did not like the Olympic lifts. Bob Hoffman, owner of York Barbell, had been a longtime adversary of the sport but began making powerlifting equipment to make up for lost sales on Olympic equipment. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, various odd lift events gradually developed into the specific lifts of the bench press, squat, and deadlift. In Britain, a breakaway organization called the Society of Amateur Weightlifters formed to cater to lifters not interested in Olympic lifting.

Reader's Guide

Powerlifting's significance lies in its evolution from a collection of 'odd lifts' into a standardized international sport. Powerlifting was opened to women, with the first U.S. The sport has seen numerous federations form, often divided over drug testing policies. The sport continues to evolve with equipment developments, distinguishing between equipped and unequipped (classic or raw) lifting, though the core three lifts remain central.

Did You Know?

• The bicep curl was originally part of the competition lifts but was replaced with the deadlift to align with American standards.