Why Powerlifting Is Not In The Olympics

[Gary Gibson]

Drugs? Politics? The Illuminati?

First off, powerlifters are most definitely athletes. I think what powerlifters do is far more athletic (i.e. physical, involving the power of the muscles) than games of skill like golf or poker or driving a car in a crowd of cars at high speed (all very hard to do well, but so is Chinese arithmetic if you don't know Chinese; doesn't make it "athletic").

But let's face it. It's hard for the public to watch a "sport" in which the athlete's feet don't move. When people think of sports, they think of fields or courts and people running around them as fast as they can and as long as they can in tests of coordination and agility.

The other major strength sports all involve a lot more agility than powerlifting. Strongman involves lateral distance (loaded with heavy objects) along with squatting and deadlifting. Highland games involve moving around and hurling stuff. Weightlifting is "gymnastics with a barbell" involving jumping with, throwing and catching a barbell; a weightlifter's feet move quite a bit during execution of the lift.

But powerlifters? The powerlifting triathlon involves quite a bit of skill (especially the bench and especially with the bench shirts), but it's just not the same--especially to the untrained eye--as weightlifting, baseball, tennis, or even curling, even though there is an awful lot of muscular effort involved.

I think that's a shame, but that's the way it is and I really do understand.

[tnumrych]

Often when I think of the reasons for this I come to the conclusion that the powerlifting powers-that-be are shooting themselves in the foot by having multiple federations with multiple rules as to depth, equipment allowed etc.

Of course this could all be conjecture on my part since I have as much experience in powerlifting as I do with operating the Large Hadron Collider .

[Polynomial]

My guess is that it has to do more with historical precedent and the fact that the public doesn't care to distinguish between different sports involving weights. Most people acknowledge that a marathon is different than a 10k, which is different than 100m. But snatching are benching are just "lifting weights" :)

[kunnar]

Guess it is so because weightlifting is already in Olympics. For the layman powerlifting and weightlfting looks almost same, seems that there is no good reason for another barbell sport in Olympics. Weightlifting is there because of historical reason, it is much older sport than powerlifting.

[hbriem]

I suppose it's a combination of reasons. Several come to mind.

1) Multiple federations. The IPF is far out in front, but may not appear so to the powers-that-be.

2) Equipment. Olympic regs absolutely forbid equipment that improves performance.

3) Spotters. A simple power cage would simplify things a lot, increase safety by miles and improve things immeasurably for the spectator.

4) A bad reputation regarding drug use. But of course many sports have that.

[Jamie J. Skibicki]

"Equipment. Olympic regs absolutely forbid equipment that improves performance."

Except for clap skates and swim suits. And the grip device for gymnastics.

[hbriem]

Yes, people sneak things through wherever they can.

At first, people thought PL equipment was just for "safety". That's how it was sneaked in originally.

[Guido]

Often when I think of the reasons for this I come to the conclusion that the powerlifting powers-that-be are shooting themselves in the foot by having multiple federations with multiple rules as to depth, equipment allowed etc.

Of course this could all be conjecture on my part since I have as much experience in powerlifting as I do with operating the Large Hadron Collider .No, you are pretty close to the truth. Too many different feds with different regs make it appear to the Olympic powers that be that the sport of powerlifting and those that govern it don't have their shit together, and they are mostly right. The IPF is the closest thing to it, but still allows the use of assistance gear, which I doubt would ever be allowed if powerlifting were to be an Olympic sports. Perhaps some raw fed or IPF will take the lead but I only see the number of feds and different categories increasing, not the other way around.

To be seriously considered as an Olympic sport, some fed will need to institute strict guidelines such as:

-Only minimal safety equipment allowed (i.e. belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves).

-Set, measurable guidelines for lifts (depth, lockout, commands, etc.)

-Fewer categories of lifters (weight class only, male and female - there are no masters, juniors, teen, or law/fire divisions in oly lifting)

-Strict mandatory random drug testing and temporary or permanent bans for those who fail (with a process for appeals)

-Finally, it will take someone with a lot of political wherewithall within the sport to take charge and make it a priority for powerlifting to become an olympic sport

[Cmanuel]

No, you are pretty close to the truth. Too many different feds with different regs make it appear to the Olympic powers that be that the sport of powerlifting and those that govern it don't have their shit together, and they are mostly right. The IPF is the closest thing to it, but still allows the use of assistance gear, which I doubt would ever be allowed if powerlifting were to be an Olympic sports. Perhaps some raw fed or IPF will take the lead but I only see the number of feds and different categories increasing, not the other way around.

To be seriously considered as an Olympic sport, some fed will need to institute strict guidelines such as:

-Only minimal safety equipment allowed (i.e. belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves).

-Set, measurable guidelines for lifts (depth, lockout, commands, etc.)

-Fewer categories of lifters (weight class only, male and female - there are no masters, juniors, teen, or law/fire divisions in oly lifting)

-Strict mandatory random drug testing and temporary or permanent bans for those who fail (with a process for appeals)

-Finally, it will take someone with a lot of political wherewithall within the sport to take charge and make it a priority for powerlifting to become an olympic sport

Well said, I think this sums up my thoughts (and many others I know that lift with me) exactly.

[Gary Gibson]

No, you are pretty close to the truth. Too many different feds with different regs make it appear to the Olympic powers that be that the sport of powerlifting and those that govern it don't have their shit together, and they are mostly right. The IPF is the closest thing to it, but still allows the use of assistance gear, which I doubt would ever be allowed if powerlifting were to be an Olympic sports. Perhaps some raw fed or IPF will take the lead but I only see the number of feds and different categories increasing, not the other way around.

To be seriously considered as an Olympic sport, some fed will need to institute strict guidelines such as:

-Only minimal safety equipment allowed (i.e. belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves).

-Set, measurable guidelines for lifts (depth, lockout, commands, etc.)

-Fewer categories of lifters (weight class only, male and female - there are no masters, juniors, teen, or law/fire divisions in oly lifting)

-Strict mandatory random drug testing and temporary or permanent bans for those who fail (with a process for appeals)

-Finally, it will take someone with a lot of political wherewithall within the sport to take charge and make it a priority for powerlifting to become an olympic sport


These are all excellent points.

The point of my post was not really about the Olympics. That was just a hook. I meant to point out how much more "athletic" weightlifting is and how much more engaging it is to the uninitiated than powerlifting. This is a matter of opinion, of course. But I think it's hard for the public to equate athleticism to something in which the feet don't move and no objects are hurled or kicked.

While we're on it: Olympic weightlifting DOES allow a belt and knee sleeves. I've seen a couple competitors using the same Rehband blues that strongmen use and which USAPL raw allows. I've heard/read that knee wraps are allowed as well, but those interfere far too much with getting into the very low catch position so everyone just opts automatically for the sleeves. Not sure about wrist wraps. I could swear I've seen them at the Olympics, but I can't remember right now.

[Guido]

These are all excellent points.

The point of my post was not really about the Olympics. That was just a hook. I meant to point out how much more "athletic" weightlifting is and how much more engaging it is to the uninitiated than powerlifting. This is a matter of opinion, of course. But I think it's hard for the public to equate athleticism to something in which the feet don't move and no objects are hurled or kicked.

While we're on it: Olympic weightlifting DOES allow a belt and knee sleeves. I've seen a couple competitors using the same Rehband blues that strongmen use and which USAPL raw allows. I've heard/read that knee wraps are allowed as well, but those interfere far too much with getting into the very low catch position so everyone just opts automatically for the sleeves. Not sure about wrist wraps. I could swear I've seen them at the Olympics, but I can't remember right now.I think we went off on a tangent and I ran with it. Sorry if I derailed. Anyway, yes, I believe that wrist wraps or taped wrists are allowed (I've seen a few use them). Belts are definitely allowed. A lot of oly guys wear knee sleeves for joint warmth but I've never seen any use knee sleeves.

As for your main point, I can see what you mean about powerlifting not exactly being a viscerally exciting sport because of the general lack of movement involved. Some of that might be made up for with the fact that heavier poundages are used and people know that 900lbs is a lot of weight...unimaginable to most people. There are plenty of people who lift weights recreationally who could probably relate better to a big bench or squat than to a big snatch, since many more people have actually tried those lifts. I suppose if something like curling could be an Olympic sport, then why not powerlifting? Besides, people love to see the freaks! :)

[PMDL]

No, you are pretty close to the truth. Too many different feds with different regs make it appear to the Olympic powers that be that the sport of powerlifting and those that govern it don't have their shit together, and they are mostly right. The IPF is the closest thing to it, but still allows the use of assistance gear, which I doubt would ever be allowed if powerlifting were to be an Olympic sports. Perhaps some raw fed or IPF will take the lead but I only see the number of feds and different categories increasing, not the other way around.

I know it doesn't look like it to you guys up in the States, but for most everywhere else in the world the IPF is the only game in town.


To be seriously considered as an Olympic sport, some fed will need to institute strict guidelines such as:

-Only minimal safety equipment allowed (i.e. belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves).

-Set, measurable guidelines for lifts (depth, lockout, commands, etc.)

-Fewer categories of lifters (weight class only, male and female - there are no masters, juniors, teen, or law/fire divisions in oly lifting)

-Strict mandatory random drug testing and temporary or permanent bans for those who fail (with a process for appeals)

-Finally, it will take someone with a lot of political wherewithall within the sport to take charge and make it a priority for powerlifting to become an olympic sport

Current IPF rules aren't far off this. The allowed equipment is quite tame - no multi-ply, no open-back shirts, no super-thick wraps, etc. etc. etc.

As far as judging, oh lawds. Go lift in a USAPL meet and tell me the judging isn't strict enough for your tastes.

Drug testing is a whole different kettle of fish, but the main issue now is uneven enforcement. Here and in Australia they take that shit as seriously as it can be taken. Some guys in Aussie were recently DQ'd for taking some shit that's not even on the WADA list until next year, and it was just a small amount mixed into another supp they took without realizing it.

Obviously some of the Russian and Eastern European arms aren't quite so strict ;) with their testing policy. But here, if you're an IPF member, you're subject to random drug testing at any time. That could be easily brought into sync w/ the IOC though - since it's not much different than what already goes on on the Olympics.

Oh, you thought the Olympics were clean and that drug testing worked?

[cycomiko]

I suppose it's a combination of reasons. Several come to mind.

1) Multiple federations. The IPF is far out in front, but may not appear so to the powers-that-be.

an issue, but minor


2) Equipment. Olympic regs absolutely forbid equipment that improves performance.
thats why the ban running, swimming, well pretty much every sport... lol the IOC have said multiple times that it has nothing to do with that.


3) Spotters. A simple power cage would simplify things a lot, increase safety by miles and improve things immeasurably for the spectator.

minor issue


4) A bad reputation regarding drug use. But of course many sports have that.

a slightly larger issue

the main reason PL is not in the olympics is that it is a minor sport, of minimal public appeal, combined with the reality that actual sports in the olympics are capped to prevent athlete numbers increasing. The IOC have been attempting to reduce sporting numbers, and have dropped two sports that have a participation level well in excess of PL.

The best that PL can hope for is the World Games - which the IPF are already active even with spotters, drug use and equipment.

[cycomiko]

-Fewer categories of lifters (weight class only, male and female - there are no masters, juniors, teen, or law/fire divisions in oly lifting)t

http://i.neoseeker.com/mgv/173169-Kevin/169/32/lolwut_verbose_display.jpg

[hbriem]

http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/fileadmin/data/Newscontainer/Press_release-IOC_recognition.pdf

According to this press release from the IPF, doping is the main issue for the IOC. Whether that's really true or an excuse not to add a relatively small sport to the already crowded Olympics, I don't know.

Of course PL is still about 50x bigger than OL.

[h k]

There's more olympic lifters in China than powerlifters in the world. How on earth do you think powerlifting is a bigger sport than olympic lifting?

[Raskolnikov]

I don't think relative popularity is the issue. The IOC just dropped baseball and softball, which if you consider North, Central, and South America, and East Asia, are pretty fucking popular sports. The two major issues for the IOC vis-a-vis baseball were drug testing and the MLB's refusal to allow the best play in the Olympic games. I'd argue that the spotty nature of drug enforcement amongst powerlifting feds (even inconsistency within a single fed), and perhaps a perception that o-lifting already represents the strongest athletes in the world, prevents powerlifting's inclusion.

[quadancer]

Media appeal as well. For instance, my wife loves to attend PL meets with me and gets excited by it. But another guy's wife says "But HE'S doing the same thing as the OTHER guy" on a 405lb squat following a 275lb squat.
WE know the difference, but the public is clueless if they don't see a lot of movement.

[cycomiko]

http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/fileadmin/data/Newscontainer/Press_release-IOC_recognition.pdf

According to this press release from the IPF, doping is the main issue for the IOC. Whether that's really true or an excuse not to add a relatively small sport to the already crowded Olympics, I don't know.

A lot through the IPF have called that reasoning a crock of shit.

If the IOC truly had a zero tolerance policy, there would be no sports competing in the Olympics.


Of course PL is still about 50x bigger than OL.US, maybe. World wide, lol.

[quadancer]

Do they really think they're going to get many of these hardcore PL's to just 'give up' their edge? They have about as much chance as getting the Arnold cleaned up.

[Jon Nosferatu]

I'm personally not convinced that it'd be a good thing to have Powerlifting in the Olympics, personally.

Not sure why...I just have a bad feeling. Maybe I've been listening to too much of Louie's ideas on the topic.

[milk farts]

It would be cool to see who the strongest person in the world is with strict drug testing and no assistance gear. I would prefer to see someone who is natural and who lifts raw to stand on the biggest stage in the sport and set the standard for aspiring lifters.

It doesn't get much more boring to watch than strength lifting though.

[hbriem]

There's more olympic lifters in China than powerlifters in the world. How on earth do you think powerlifting is a bigger sport than olympic lifting?

You're right of course. I was guilty of thinking much too parochially and posted too quickly.

It's bigger here in Western Europe and in the US, but of course in Asia and Eastern Europe, weightlifting is huge of course.

[banthafodder]

Media appeal as well. For instance, my wife loves to attend PL meets with me and gets excited by it. But another guy's wife says "But HE'S doing the same thing as the OTHER guy" on a 405lb squat following a 275lb squat.
WE know the difference, but the public is clueless if they don't see a lot of movement.

If it's purely a visual/marketing thing, perhaps we should just use long bars and 10-lbs plates. Then there'd be plenty of visible difference.

[quadancer]

Haha! "The bar's bendin' but you're STILL pretendin'!"
We'll need a whole new T-shirt line here!

[na123]

If it makes any of you guys feel better, it's in the special olympics :p

[John2336]

Deleted

[fnet]

I saw Gary Gibson's name and thought that the Prodigal Son had returned...until I realized this thread was started a year ago.

[Ryan Long]

And while you're making fun of special olympians consider that this athlete is stronger than most of you.

http://nyso.org/ATHLETESCORNER/MIFSPOWERLIFTINGNEWS.pdf


If it makes any of you guys feel better, it's in the special olympics :p

[John2336]

Deleted due to a lack of boundaries where my sense of humor is concerned.

[Marotta]

Yeah it's called retard strength for a reason. Are we supposed to feel bad now?

lol'd

[Kyle Aaron]

It'll be the drugs that makes the IOC think twice. Sure, the Olympics are already riddled with drugs, but strength stuff just has that image, why would they want to make it all worse?

Athletes just mentioning drugs publicly basically caused the Aussie Olympic-style weightlifting programme at the Australian Institute of Sport to be cancelled in the 1980s.