Weightlifting at the Summer Paralympics facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Weightlifting at the Summer Paralympics |
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Weightlifting at the Summer Paralympics was a sport where athletes lifted heavy weights. It was first included in the 1964 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Over time, the sport changed. Starting with the 1984 Summer Paralympics, weightlifting was split into two separate sports: weightlifting and powerlifting. Weightlifting made its last appearance at the 1992 Summer Paralympics. After that, only powerlifting competitions were held at the Paralympic Games.
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Weightlifting at the Paralympics: A Brief History
Weightlifting was an exciting sport at the Summer Paralympic Games for many years. It allowed athletes with disabilities to show their incredible strength.
The Early Years: 1964 to 1980
The sport began at the 1964 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. Athletes competed to lift the heaviest weights. In these early games, countries like Great Britain and France often won many medals. As the years went on, more events were added. By the 1980 Summer Paralympics, there were 11 different weightlifting events. Sweden was a strong team during this period.
The Split: Weightlifting and Powerlifting
A big change happened at the 1984 Summer Paralympics. The sport was divided into two distinct events:
- Weightlifting: This usually involves two types of lifts: the "snatch" and the "clean and jerk."
- Powerlifting: This focuses on three lifts: the "squat," "bench press," and "deadlift." At the Paralympics, only the bench press is competed.
After this split, weightlifting continued for a few more Games.
The Final Lifts: 1988 and 1992
Weightlifting was part of the 1988 Summer Paralympics, where Poland showed great strength. Its final appearance was at the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain. The United States was a top nation in weightlifting during these last Games.
After 1992, only powerlifting remained as the strength sport at the Summer Paralympics. Powerlifting is still a popular and important sport at the Games today.
See also
