Styrkeløft

Styrkeløft is a strength sport in which competitors attempt to lift the heaviest combined weight in three lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. The competition format requires each lifter to perform up to three attempts in each lift, and the best valid attempt from each lift is summed to form the total. The lifter with the highest total in a given weight class and category is declared the winner.

In competition, lifts are judged against a rule set that defines proper technique: the squat must reach a declared depth, the bench press requires a paused and fully locked-out press, and the deadlift must be completed with the bar controlled and fully extended at the top. The three attempts per lift require strategic planning for maximizing the total.

Participants may compete in different divisions, including raw (or classic), with minimal supportive equipment, and equipped divisions, where supportive gear such as squat suits and bench shirts may be allowed. Common accessories include belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and chalk. Rules and allowed equipment vary by federation.

Styrkeløft is governed internationally by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and by national bodies in each country. The IPF sanctions world championships and maintains standardized weight classes and records for each lift. National federations organize regional and national championships. Records are maintained for each weight class and lift, with separate records for raw and equipped competition in many jurisdictions.

Historically, styrkeløft evolved from weightlifting and power sports in the mid-20th century, becoming a distinct sport with formal rules and international competition in the 1960s–1970s. It has since grown globally, with thousands of athletes and a structured competitive calendar.