What if only one lifter enters a para powerlifting category?
A · Advanced · Athletes and categories · 3 of 4A lone athlete in a category wins a medal only by lifting the minimum standard; two get gold and silver, three or more all three. An NPC may win two medals at most per event. Thin categories may be combined, with the coefficient formula deciding medals. Teams of three, or mixed teams with a man and a woman, score by coefficient.
How it works
- One athlete: medal only at the minimum standard.
- Two athletes: gold and silver.
- Three or more: all three medals.
- NPC limit: two medallists per individual event.
- Combined categories: decided by coefficient.
- Team: three of one gender, one lift each.
- Mixed team: at least one man and one woman.
- Total lift: medals except at the Games.
The glossary has the event viability and medals, the minimum standard, the combined categories, the coefficient formula, the team event (para powerlifting) and the mixed team event (para powerlifting).
Tricky cases
Can three lifters from one NPC sweep a podium?
No. Only two can medal.
Does each team member lift three times?
No. Each lifts once, in the round the team chooses.
Can a team mix bodyweight categories?
Yes.
Are total-lift medals given at the Paralympics?
No.
Why the rule exists
The minimum standard stops a medal going to anyone who only turns up. The coefficient compares lifters of different weights fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One athlete | Minimum standard | 12.3.1.1 |
| Combined | Coefficient | 12.3.1.3 |
| Teams | Sum of coefficients | 28.2 |
From the rule book
World Para Powerlifting, Rules and Regulations 2025, version 1 (1 May 2025), rules 12.3 to 12.5, 14.1, 21, 28 and 29.2.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WPPO Rules and Regulations 2025.