What is the Power Lift in para powerlifting?
A · Advanced · The lift · 4 of 4A record must beat the old one by at least 1 kg; records are kept by age group, gender, world and region. After round three an athlete may ask for a fourth attempt, the Power Lift, at a record, if the third lift was good and within 10 kg of it or itself a record. Testing must be in place.
How it works
- Record margin: at least 1 kg.
- Lists: four age groups, men and women.
- Levels: world and regional.
- Power Lift: a fourth attempt.
- Condition: third lift good and within 10 kg of the record.
- Request: to the marshall within one minute.
- Anti-doping: must be in place.
- Best lift: includes a Power Lift.
The glossary has the record attempt, the Power Lift, the best lift and total lift, the marshall, the age groups (para powerlifting) and the rounds and attempts.
Tricky cases
A third lift is 12 kg below the record. Power Lift?
No. It must be within 10 kg.
Can records be set at approved competitions?
No.
Does a Power Lift count towards the total lift?
No. The total adds good lifts from the three rounds only.
How is a tie on best lift settled?
The athlete who lifted it first ranks higher.
Why the rule exists
A fourth attempt rewards lifters close to a record. Testing means any record set stands up.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Records | Plus 1 kg | 26 |
| Power Lift | Within 10 kg | 27 |
| Ties | First to lift | 28.1 |
From the rule book
World Para Powerlifting, Rules and Regulations 2025, version 1 (1 May 2025), rules 26 to 28. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WPPO Rules and Regulations 2025.