Para Powerlifting Australia

04/06/2026

FIND A PARA BENCH NEAR YOU

Looking to get started in Para Powerlifting? Already competing and searching for a training location?

Our Para Bench Directory connects athletes and coaches with Para Powerlifting benches across Australia.

With locations available across most states and territories, and more being added regularly you can find a suitable place to train, develop and progress within the sport.

📍 Find a bench near you
📍 Connect with local clubs and facilities
📍 Start your Para Powerlifting journey

View the full directory on our website parapowerliftingaustralia.com.au

🌟Know of a Para Powerlifting bench not listed? Let us know so we can continue growing opportunities for athletes across Australia.

02/06/2026

🚨 VIC GRAND PRIX ENTRIES OPEN 🚨

📍 NEC Hangar, Melbourne
📅 August 15

The next stop of the Para Powerlifting Australia Grand Prix Series is coming fast.

⚡ Registrations close July 18.
Secure your spot now parapowerliftingaustralia.com.au

29/05/2026

The second stop of the 2026 Grand Prix Series was Adelaide. SA Grand Prix delivered plenty of big lifts, and memorable moments! 💪

For a recap of the event click the link in bio.

➡️Next stop for our Grand Prix series is Melbourne ‼️

↪️AUGUST 15 at NEC HANGAR

Entries for the VIC Grand Prix are NOW OPEN!

Head to parapowerliftingaustralia.com.au to secure your spot.

27/05/2026

We love hearing Hani Watsons inspiring story - she just keeps coming back, pushing harder, and displaying her true strength.

With sights now set on Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Hani continues to inspire through resilience, determination, and the pursuit of representing Australia on the international stage.

24/05/2026

Classification in Para Powerlifting

Athletes undergo classification to determine if they meet the Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC) for Para Powerlifting.

After an assessment athletes are then deemed

✅ Eligible (E) – impairment meets the criteria for Para Powerlifting
❌ Not Eligible (NE) – impairment does not meet the minimum criteria for the sport.

Unlike many Para sports, Para Powerlifting has one sport class, with athletes competing in bodyweight categories.

Eligible impairments may include

• Limb deficiency or amputation
• Spinal cord injury or spina bifida
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Leg length difference
• Impaired muscle strength or movement
• Restricted joint movement
• Short stature

Swipe across to learn more about

✔ Eligibility
✔ Classification assessment
✔ Sport class status

💪Follow to learn more about Para Powerlifting.

22/05/2026

Australian Para Powerlifter Hani Watson at the Commonwealth Games Australia team uniform launch in Sydney.

Hani is one of six athletes selected to represent Australia in Para Powerlifting at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

22/05/2026

Athletes Hani, Dan and Jade alongside Kate McLoughlin (Head of Games and International Engagement) at the President’s Dinner in Sydney last night.

With preparations continuing towards Glasgow 2026 , our Para Powerlifting athletes are looking forward to representing in the green and gold! 🇦🇺

21/05/2026

Hani Watson looking sharp at the unveiling of the Australian team uniform for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. 🇦🇺

Iconic spot for an iconic kit 🇦🇺

The countdown to just got very real as the Australian Team unveiled the uniforms that will be worn on the world stage. Green and gold never looked better.

19/05/2026

An incredible weekend for Para Powerlifting at the SA Grand Prix 🔥💪

Congratulations to our overall best lifters

🏆 Men’s 1st Place - Craig Austin
🏆 Women’s 1st Place - Sophie Cowlishaw

Thank you to South Australian Sports Institute for the amazing venue and support behind the scenes in helping deliver a fantastic event.

Great to see many new lifters, along with new coaches gaining valuable competition experience.

A highlight was having three teenage girls compete - a first for Australian Para Powerlifting and an encouraging sign for the future growth of the sport.

This was made extra special with 5x Paralympian Julie Russell, (one of the first women to ever compete in Para Powerlifting) attending to present the athletes medals.

The Para Powerlifting Australia Grand Prix Series continues August 15 in Melbourne.

To enter competitions parapowerliftingaustralia.com.au

18/05/2026

Did you know Para Powerlifting has recognised age groups for competitions?

From Rookie lifters starting their journey, to Next Gen, Elite and Legends . Your results and records are recognised within both age group and bodyweight categories.

Swipe across to learn more about age groups.

Follow to understand more about Para Powerlifting.