Powerlifting against all odds!

Powerlifting is arguably one of the most strenuous activities the human body can undergo. Requiring incredible all over  body strength, and excellent explosive power, there is no room for error. Diet, training and conditioning are all imperative. If all these aren’t carried out at 100% efficiency then something is going to fail. At the worst you will fail a lift, worst case scenario could be far more serious. As Matthias Steiner of Germany found out in the London Olympics, the sport can come close to ending your life in a matter of seconds! The sport is incredibly demanding, and requires every ounce of your motivation and physical strength.

Now try imagining having some form of disability, and still pushing incredible weights above your head, or smashing Bench Press records. Due to physical limitations, Paralympic lifts only comprise of the bench press. Under IPC rules, discrepancies in arm lock out ARE allowed depending on disabilities. Sporting events such as the special Olympics host powerlifting events, in the 3 main powerlifting disciplines, bench, squat and deadlift, for individuals with a mental disability.
The world record bench press in the 100kg+ Men’s Paralympic Powerlifting class is set by Siamand Rahman, and is in excess of 300.00kg. Despite his disability, and young age (25) he is tipped to become one of the greatest RAW bench presses of all time. He is close to breaking the all time Open raw world record, that is unassisted by a bench suit, in disabled or able bodied competition! He is an incredible inspiration to young people with a disability, particularly those with great sporting aspirations.

Equally inspiring are some incredible achievements during the special Olympics and related events, such as Jackie Barret, who back in 2010 set a new specials Olympics squat record, of 265.5kg. A huge number, well deserved by the huge talent this young man possesses.
These performances are incredibly strong for able bodied athletes, and the determination and drive to get to such a standard in Paralympic/special Olympic events leaves me in total awe. It just goes to show that regardless of your situation in life, absolutely anything is possible.

Stay hungry, Stay Driven, Stay Strong!