Bench Press
Bench Press
Athletes compete in the bench press only, lowering the bar to the chest, holding it stationary, then pressing it to full arm extension.
Single lift
Our Sports
Para Powerlifting
Introduction
Pure Strength
Para powerlifting is one of the ultimate tests of upper-body strength — the bench press taken to its limit. South African lifters have competed at Paralympic and Commonwealth level, with the sport continuing to grow through gyms and clubs across the country.
How the Sport Works
The Bench Press, Mastered
Para powerlifting is contested as a single discipline — the bench press. Lifters are grouped by body weight and judged on their heaviest successful lift, with eligibility based on physical impairments affecting the lower limbs.
Weight Classes
Weight Classes
Lifters are grouped by body weight, with the heaviest successful lift determining the winner of each class.
Grouped by body weight
Eligibility
Eligibility
Open to athletes with physical impairments affecting the lower limbs, including spinal cord injuries, amputations and cerebral palsy.
Lower-limb impairments
Paralympic Heritage
Strength Without Limits
Para powerlifting has been on the Paralympic programme since 1964. South African lifters compete at Commonwealth, African and Paralympic level, with the sport supported through national selection events and a growing club base.
1964
Paralympic debut
10
Weight classes per gender
Growing
South African programme
Our Sponsors
Our Proud Sponsors
Our partners power South African para powerlifting. From grassroots to Paralympic podiums.
