Powerlifting by people with disabilities is the fastest growing Paralympic sport in the world, with 109 countries represented at last count. Wheelchair users have competed in the event since its inception.

Debuting as a medal sport at the second Paralympic Games back in 1964, it was originally only available to lifters with spinal cord injuries. The sport has since evolved to include a wide range of disability groups.

Paralympic Powerlifting Popularity
Powerlifting’s popularity at the Paralympics is on the rise. From 1992 to 1996, the number of countries sending athletes to participate in the sport more than doubled. The sport is open to male and female participants with physical disabilities relating to spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, dwarfism, amputation and more.

In Paralympic powerlifting, athletes are separated by gender and then by weight, with 10 classes each for male and female athletes. Participants lift three times. The heaviest “good” lift is used to determine placement in their weight class.

Powerlifting Classifications
Here are the classifications and specific physical requirements for disabled powerlifting Class 1 through 8. This includes criteria for athletes with cerebral palsy (CP-ISRA), athletes with spinal cord lesion, spina bifida and polio (ISMWSF), athletes with blindness (IBSA), les autres (ISOD) and amputee athletes.

Disabled and Wheelchair Powerlifting Stats
For more information on disabled powerlifting, visit the U.S. Disabled Powerlifting site. You’ll find a treasure trove of information about the sport, from historical facts to modern-day training routines. Here’s a sample of what you’ll encounter under some of the headings:

•    Post on the message board to find a coach or make a contact in powerlifting.
•    Four committee members from U.S. Paralympic disabled powerlifting.
•    Training camps and regional, national and international competition schedule.
•    Rules. Preparing for weigh-in and uniform check at sanctioned disabled powerlifting events.
•    Records. Paralympic, world and American records complete through 2007, plus international qualification standards for men and women.
•    Who’s Who. A list of influential coaches, athletes and referees connected with disabled powerlifting, many complete with photo.
•    Training. A sample training regimen for specific results for a particular athlete, plus a routine that will bulk up those often-overlooked back muscles.

Locate a Program
To find a powerlifting program in your state or area, visit the Paralympic Activity Network .