Aren Bodybuilders, Powerlifters, Wrestlers, Football Players And “Worlds Strongest Man” Competitors Stronger Than Weightlifters?
The issue of the strength of bodybuilders and powerlifters has already been addressed in question 2. Bodybuilders don’t train primarily for strength. Powerlifters, many of whom are wonderful strength athletes, do not face the level of competition that weightlifters do. This is because their sport is not as popular worldwide and because multiple federations within the sport dilute the number of competitors that do exist – so that there are many athletes who claim the title of world or national “champion” with no means to “unify” the title. Wrestlers and football players (along with many other athletes) train with weights to improve their size and strength. They often become quite strong. But their strength generally pales in comparison to that of a competitive weightlifters, who devote virtually all of their time to developing strength and power. So called “World’s Strongest Man” competitions are relatively new and sporadic. There are many events which bill themselves as determining the
