With so many powerlifting organisations now in existence both in the UK and internationally, why is the GBPF the preferred organisation for so many lifters?

The GBPF was formed out of the powerlifting section of the British Weightlifters Association (BWLA), the original governing body of powerlifting in the UK since the inception of the sport.

BWLA (then BAWLA) was a founder member of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) in 1973 and of the European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) the following year.

As the UK’s IPF affiliate, the GBPF can trace its origins back to the earliest days of powerlifting. All GBPF titles and records can be traced back to the beginning of powerlifting.

Drugs in sport

The GBPF is unequivocal in its opposition to drugs in sport and is linked to the WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) through two distinct paths.

Dean Bowring, 125kg Lifter

The IPF is affiliated to WADA and powerlifting is a World Games sport. The World Games is one level down from the Olympic Games and new sports which aspire to become part of the Olympic Games traditionally do so via the portal of the World Games. In short, if powerlifting becomes an Olympic sport and you aspire to represent your country in the Olympic Games as a powerlifter, the GBPF is the only UK organisation that you should consider.

The GBPF is the only powerlifting organisation to be recognised by UK Sport (UKS), and is the only organisation to have drug testing carried out, in and out of competition, by UKS. Other UK organisations are either untested or conduct their own tests.

Competition

Most powerlifters do not aspire to represent their country at the World Games, however. They look for local competition at divisional level, where many achieve British Championship qualifying standards and get the opportunity to step on the national stage. The GBPF has an unrivalled local network. Wherever you are, there is an active local division nearby, that provides both regular competitive opportunities and, in many cases, a network of skilled and experienced coaches to assist you to achieve your goals.

T.S. Adewale, 82.5kg lifter

The main focus of the GBPF at elite level is ‘equipped’ powerlifting, but it also runs ‘raw’ powerlifting competitions and bench press-only competitions (in which no supportive equipment other than a belt and wrist wraps may be worn) both at divisional level and nationally.

You are never too young to make a start in powerlifting. Competitors aged 14 upwards are welcome. Equally, you are never too old. Several 70+ competitors still represent Britain internationally, and many ‘masters’ lifters only take the sport up in their 40s or 50s.

Powerlifting is a great sport with an unrivalled camaraderie which promotes health, strength and vitality. If you decide to take your first steps in the sport, and want to lift in an independently drug tested organisation with an established network of local divisions, choose the GBPF.