Editing Powerlifting (section)

==History==
===Early history===
The roots of powerlifting are found in traditions of [[strength training]] stretching back as far as the ancient Mayan civilizations and ancient Persian times. The idea of powerlifting originated in ancient Greece, as men lifted stones to prove their strength and manhood.<ref name="Cooper publishing group">{{cite book |last1=Paciorek |first1=Michael J. |last2=Jones |first2=Jefferey A. |title=Disability sport and recreation resources |url=https://archive.org/details/disabilitysportr0000paci |url-access=registration |year=2001 |publisher=Cooper publishing group |isbn=9781884125751 }}</ref> The modern sport originated in the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]] in the 1950s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayworth |first=Peter |date=September 5, 2013 |title=Story: Bodybuilding, weightlifting and powerlifting |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/bodybuilding-weightlifting-and-powerlifting/page-3 |website=Te Ara}}</ref> Previously, the weightlifting governing bodies in both countries had recognized various "odd lifts" for competition and record purposes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-04 |title=The History of Powerlifting |url=https://squatpressliftrepeat.wordpress.com/what-is-powerlifting/historyofpowerlifting/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=squat {{!}} press {{!}} lift {{!}} repeat |language=en}}</ref> During the 1950s, [[Olympic weightlifting]] declined in the United States, while strength sports gained many new followers. People did not like the Olympic lifts [[Clean and press|Clean and Press]], [[Snatch (weightlifting)|Snatch]] and [[Clean and jerk|Clean and Jerk]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/federation/history.html|title=The History of the International Powerlifting Federation|last=Unitt|first=Dennis|date=2019-04-04|website=Powerlifting.Sport}}</ref> In 1958, the National Weightlifting Committee of the [[Amateur Athletic Union]] (AAU) decided to begin recognizing records for odd lifts.<ref name=":4" /> The first national competition was held in September 1964 under the auspices of the [[York Barbell|York Barbell Company]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The History of Powerlifting in the USA |url=https://grindergym.com/the-history-of-powerlifting-in-the-usa/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=grindergym.com}}</ref> York Barbell owner [[Bob Hoffman (promoter)|Bob Hoffman]] had been a longtime adversary of the sport, but his company was now making powerlifting equipment to make up for the sales it had lost on Olympic equipment.<ref name=":4" />

During the late 1950s, Hoffman's influence on Olympic lifting and his predominately Olympics-focused magazine ''Strength and Health'' were beginning to come under increasing pressure from [[Joe Weider]]'s organization.<ref name=":4" /> In order to combat the growing influence of Weider, Hoffman started another magazine, ''Muscular Development'', which would be focused more on bodybuilding and the fast-growing interest in odd lift competitions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Brief History of the '50s & '60s {{!}} Two Decades That Launched Modern Bodybuilding |url=https://www.musculardevelopment.com/news/the-mcgough-report/14362-a-brief-history-of-the-50s-60s-two-decades-that-launched-modern-bodybuilding.html |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Muscular Development}}</ref> The magazine's first editor was [[John Grimek]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=April 1999 |title=Remembering Grimek |url=https://starkcenter.org/igh/igh-v5/igh-v5-n4-v6-n1/igh0504-0601i.pdf |journal=Starkcenter |pages=2}}</ref> During the late 1950s and early 1960s, various odd lift events gradually developed into the specific lifts of the [[bench press]], [[Squat (exercise)|squat]], and [[deadlift]], and were lifted in that order.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=History - International Powerlifting Federation IPF |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/federation/history |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=www.powerlifting.sport}}</ref> Hoffman became more and more influential in the development of this new lifting sport and organized the Weightlifting Tournament of America in 1964, effectively the first USA National championships. In 1965, the first named USA National Championships were held.<ref name=":3" /> During the same period, lifting in Britain also had factions. In the late 1950s, because members of the ruling body (BAWLA, the [[British Amateur Weight Lifters' Association]]) were only interested in the development of Olympic lifting, a breakaway organization called the Society of Amateur Weightlifters had been formed to cater for the interests of lifters who were not particularly interested in Olympic lifting.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Dunn |first=Will Freeman |date=2018-01-10 |title=The History of Powerlifting |url=https://www.taylorsstrength.co.uk/the-history-of-powerlifting/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Taylor's Strength Training |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Although at that time there were 42 recognized lifts, the "Strength Set" ([[biceps curl]], bench press, and squat) soon became the standard competition lifts, and both organizations held Championships on these lifts (as well as on the Olympic lifts) until 1965. In 1966, the Society of Amateur Weightlifters rejoined BAWLA. The bicep curl was replaced with the deadlift to fall in line with the American lifts.<ref name=":4" /> The first British Championship was held in 1966.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History – BCPA Powerlifting |url=https://bc-powerlifting.com/history/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |language=en-CA}}</ref> During the late 1960s and at the beginning of the 1970s, various international contests were held. At the same time, in early November of each year and to commemorate Hoffman's birthday, a prestigious lifting contest was held. In 1971, it was decided to make this event the "World Weightlifting Championships".<ref name=":4" /> The event was held at 10 AM on 6 November 1971, in [[York, Pennsylvania]]. Most of the athletes were American lifters, since teams were not formed yet. There were also four British athletes, and one athlete from [[Jamaica]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=AAU World Powerlifting Championships |url=https://m.en.allpowerlifting.com/results/IPF/1971/aau-world-powerlifting-championships/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=AllPowerlifting}}</ref> All of the referees were American. Weights were in [[Pound (mass)|pounds]]. The lifting order was "rising bar", and the first lift was the bench press. There was no such thing as a bench shirt or squat suit, and various interpretations were held regarding the use and length of knee wraps and weightlifting belts. The IPF rules system did not exist yet, nor had world records been established.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />

In 1972, the second [[Amateur Athletic Union|AAU]] World Championships were held on 10 and 11 November. There were eight athletes from Great Britain, six from [[Canada]], six from [[Puerto Rico]], three from [[Zambia]], and one from the West Indies. With 67 lifters in total, 47 athletes were Americans. Lifts were measured in pounds, and the bench press was the first lift.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="WC1972 results">{{cite web|url=http://en.allpowerlifting.com/results/AAU/1972/aau-world-powerlifting-championships/?unit=lb|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116150551/http://en.allpowerlifting.com/results/AAU/1972/aau-world-powerlifting-championships/?unit=lb|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-16|title=AAU World Powerlifting Championships 1972 (results)|access-date=2012-10-01|website=En.allpowerlifting.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1972 AAU Men's World Powerlifting Championships |url=https://www.openpowerlifting.org/m/mags/plusa/1998-04-15-A |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Open Powerlifting}}</ref>

===IPF and after===
The [[International Powerlifting Federation]] was formed in November of 1972. The inaugural IPF World Championships was held in York on November of 1973. There were 47 entrants: one Swedish athlete, one Puerto Rican athlete, two Canadian athletes, one West Indian athlete, eight British athletes, and 34 American athletes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History - International Powerlifting Federation IPF |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/federation/history |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=www.powerlifting.sport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IPF World Men's Powerlifting Championship, 9-10.11.1973, Harrisburg / USA |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/results/worlds/worldmen1973/World_Men_1973.htm |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=www.powerlifting.sport}}</ref> 1974 was the first time that teams were selected in advance, as well as the inclusion of the 52 kilogram weight class.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IPF Men's World Powerlifting Championships |url=https://m.en.allpowerlifting.com/results/IPF/1974/mens-world-powerlifting-championships/mens-world-powerlifting-championships/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=en.allpowerlifting.com}}</ref> In 1975, the World Championships was held outside America for the first time, at the town hall in [[Birmingham]], hosted by Vic Mercer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History - International Powerlifting Federation IPF |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/federation/history |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=www.powerlifting.sport}}</ref>

The establishment of the IPF in 1973 spurred the establishment of the EPF (European Powerlifting Federation) in May 1977.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EPF History - European Powerlifting Federation EPF |url=https://www.europowerlifting.org/about-epf/history-and-awards/epf-history |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=europowerlifting}}</ref> Since it was closely associated with bodybuilding and women had been competing as bodybuilders for years, powerlifting was opened to them. The first U.S. national championships for women were held in 1978. The IPF added women's competition in 1980.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1978-04-17 |title=First U.S. Power Lift For Women |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/17/archives/first-us-power-lift-for-women.html |access-date=2024-08-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In the US, the [[Amateur Sports Act of 1978]] required that each Olympic or potential Olympic sport must have its own national governing body by November 1980.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Peters, Gerhard |author2=Woolley, John T |title=Jimmy Carter: "Amateur Sports Act of 1978 Statement on Signing S. 2727 Into Law. ," November 8, 1978 |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=30133 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118084425/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=30133 |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |access-date=February 7, 2016 |work=The American Presidency Project |publisher=University of California - Santa Barbara}}</ref> As a result, the AAU lost control of every amateur sport. The USPF was founded in 1980 as the new national governing body for American powerlifting.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=USPF the Legend |url=https://uspfthelegend.com/ |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=USPF the Legend |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1981, the American Drug Free Powerlifting Association (ADFPA), led by Brother Bennett, became the first federation to break away from the USPF, citing the need to implement effective drug testing in the sport.<ref name="library.la84.org">{{cite web|url=http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/IGH/IGH0903/IGH0903c.pdf|title=Powerlifting's Watershed : frantz v. united states Powerlifting federation: The legal case that changed the nature of a sport|author1=Thomas M. Hunt|author2=Jan Todd|website=Library.la84.org|access-date=15 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301111358/http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/IGH/IGH0903/IGH0903c.pdf|archive-date=1 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1982, drug testing was introduced to the IPF, although the USPF championships that year did not have drug testing.<ref>{{cite web|author=Terry Todd |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1122739/5/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109073550/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1122739/5/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 November 2009 |title=Unlike all too many powerlifters, nine-time world champ |publisher=Sports Illustrated Vault |date=1984-10-22 |access-date=2014-02-22}}</ref>

The IPF's push for drug testing was resisted by several American lifters. In 1982, Larry Pacifico and Ernie Frantz founded the American Powerlifting Federation (APF), which advertised its categorical opposition to all drug testing.<ref name="library.la84.org"/>

In 1984, powerlifting was included into the [[Paralympic Games]] for men with spinal cord injuries. At the 2000 Paralympic Games in [[Sydney]], women were invited to participate in powerlifting. Both men and women are allowed to compete in 10 weight classes respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Powerlifting at the Paralympics |url=https://www.topendsports.com/events/paralympics/sports/powerlifting.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=www.topendsports.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-24 |title=Para Sport 101: Everything You Need To Know About Paralympic Powerlifting |url=https://www.usparapowerlifting.org/news/2023/july/24/para-sport-101-everything-you-need-to-know-about-paralympic-powerlifting |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=USA Paralympics Powerlifting |language=en}}</ref>

In 1987, the American Powerlifting Association (APA) and World Powerlifting Alliance (WPA) were formed by Scott Taylor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 5, 1998 |title=American Strength Legends: The Organizers |url=http://samson-power.com/ASL/taylor.html |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=American Strength Legends}}</ref> The APA offer both drug tested and untested categories in most of their competitions.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=January 1, 2023 |title=United States Powerlifting Association Technical Rules 2023 |url=https://uspa.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-USPA-RULE-BOOK-FINAL-1.pdf |journal=USPA |pages=10}}</ref> As of 2024, the WPA has over 60 affiliate nations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HOME |url=https://www.apapowerlifting.com/ |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=APA Powerlifting |language=en}}</ref>

The USPF failed to conform to IPF demands and was expelled from the international body in 1997, with the ADFPA, now named [[USA Powerlifting]] (USAPL), taking its place (now replaced by Powerlifting America).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usapowerlifting.com/admin/president/overdeer03.shtml |title=The Choice for Drug-free Strength Sport |publisher=USA Powerlifting |access-date=2014-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120022918/http://usapowerlifting.com/admin/president/overdeer03.shtml |archive-date=20 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the trend towards federations, each with their own rules and standards of performance, some powerlifters have attempted to bring unity to the sport. For example, 100% RAW promoted unequipped competition and merged with another federation, Anti-Drug Athletes United (ADAU), in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/23829 |title=ADAU Merges With 100% Raw |publisher=Powerlifting Watch |access-date=2014-02-22}}</ref> The Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS), founded by [[Gene Rychlak]] in 2011, was considered a move towards unity, as the RPS breaks the tradition of charging lifters membership fees to a specific federation in addition to entry fees for each competition.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/1CH8x0N2QAM Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140702064417/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CH8x0N2QAM Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CH8x0N2QAM |title=Message from Gene Rychlak 08.20.11 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=2011-08-20 |access-date=2014-02-22}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Some meet promoters have sought to bring together top lifters from different federations, outside existing federations' hierarchy of local, regional, national and international meets; a prominent example of this is the Raw Unity Meet (RUM), held annually since 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rawunitymeet.com/Raw-Unity-FAQ.html |title=Raw Unity Powerlifting Championships - RAW Unity FAQ |website=Rawunitymeet.com |access-date=2014-02-22}}</ref>

===Developments in equipment and rules===
As new equipment was developed, it came to distinguish powerlifting federations from one another. Weightlifting belts and knee wraps (originally simple Ace bandages) predated powerlifting, but in 1983 John Inzer invented the first piece of equipment distinct to powerlifters—the [[bench shirt]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musclemagfitness.com/fitness-and-exercises/weight-lifting/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-bench-shirts.html |title=Everything You Wanted to Know About Bench Shirts |website=Musclemagfitness.com |access-date=2014-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513084428/http://www.musclemagfitness.com/fitness-and-exercises/weight-lifting/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-bench-shirts.html |archive-date=13 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Bench shirts and squat/deadlift suits (operating on the same principle) became ubiquitous in powerlifting, but only some federations adopted the latest and most supportive canvas, denim, and multiply polyester designs, while others such as the IPF maintained more restrictive rules on which supportive equipment could be used.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usapowerlifting.com/newsletter/02/novice/novice.html |title=USA Powerlifting Online Newsletter |website=Usapowerlifting.com |access-date=2014-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317181754/http://www.usapowerlifting.com/newsletter/02/novice/novice.html |archive-date=17 March 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Monolift, a rack in which the bar catchers swing out and eliminate the walkout portion of the squat, was invented by Ray Madden and first used in competition in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/5024 |title=Origins of the Monolift |publisher=Powerlifting Watch |access-date=2014-02-22}}</ref> This innovation was adopted by some federations and forbidden in others. Other inventions included specialized squat bars and deadlift bars, moving away from the IPF standard of using the same bar for all three lifts.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=January 23, 2024 |title=IPF Technical Rules Book 2024 |url=https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/rules/technical-rules/english/IPF_Technical_Rules_Book_2024_24_Jan.pdf |journal=International Powerlifting Federation |pages=7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=January 7, 2023 |title=WRPF Technical Rules Book |url=https://australia.worldrawpowerlifting.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/WRPF-Rule-Book-PL-1-1.pdf |journal=World Raw Powerlifting Federation |pages=11}}</ref>

The rules of powerlifting have also evolved and differentiated. For example, in ADFPA/USAPL competition, the "press" command on the bench press was used, not used,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepsquatter.com/strength/archives/MINE/newbie.htm |title=New To Powerlifting - Let's Get Started |website=Deepsquatter.com |access-date=2014-02-22}}</ref> and then used again, following a 2006 IPF motion to reinstate this rule.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usapowerlifting.com/newsletter/33/technical/technical.html |title=USA Powerlifting Online Newsletter |website=Usapowerlifting.com |access-date=2014-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319143031/http://www.usapowerlifting.com/newsletter/33/technical/technical.html |archive-date=19 March 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> IPF rules also mandate a "start" command at the beginning of the bench press. Many other federations, for example, the Natural Athlete Strength Association (NASA), have never used the "start" command.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/1773 |title=Some NASA Members Give Their Take on Lifting in the USAPL |publisher=Powerlifting Watch |access-date=2014-02-22}}</ref> As a further example of diversifying rules of performance, in 2011 the Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF) eliminated the "squat" command at the beginning of the squat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southernpowerlifting.com/form.php?id=7 |title=Southern Powerlifting Federation |website=Southernpowerlifting.com |access-date=2014-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225075134/http://www.southernpowerlifting.com/form.php?id=7 |archive-date=25 February 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Most federations also now allow the [[sumo deadlift]], which the athletes foot position is outside their grip position. Many communities and federations do not class the sumo variation as a technical deadlift.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mensfitness.com/training/build-muscle/exercise-face-off-traditional-deadlift-vs-sumo-deadlift |title=Exercise Face-Off: Traditional Deadlift vs. Sumo Deadlift &#124; Men's Fitness |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021141349/http://www.mensfitness.com/training/build-muscle/exercise-face-off-traditional-deadlift-vs-sumo-deadlift |archive-date=21 October 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Another rule change into effect from the IPF, is the bench press elbow depth rule, established in 2022 and into effect at the start of 2023. This rule, similar to squat depth, requires the bottom surface of the elbows to be in line with or below the top surface of the shoulder joint.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-10 |title=International Powerlifting Federation Unveils Bench Press Rule Change for 2023 |url=https://barbend.com/ipf-bench-press-rule-change-2023/ |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Barbend |language=en-US}}</ref>