Powerlifting is a strength sport, consisting of three events:
- the squat
- the bench press
- deadlift
The maximum weight lifted in each event is totalled for a final score; lifters compete in bodyweight classes. Powerlifting is of relatively modern origin, dating from the early to mid 20th century onwards, and is sometimes referred to as "weightlifting's ugly sister". It is open to both men and women. The third event in the powerlifting was origianlly the bicep curl, which later was replaced with the deadlift.
Existing Olympic weightlifting events, the snatch and the clean and jerk, rely on speed strength as well as technique, with a view to lifting the most weight overhead. Powerlifting relies on limit strength, utilising the entire body to push, pull, and support as much weight as is humanly possible for the athlete to move, although technique and speed are still very important in powerlifting.
Olympic weightlifting does not really say who is the strongest of the athletes. The only way to determine the strongest is through powerlifting, the person that adds the most pounds through the three lifts becomes the strongest of all.
