Female Powerlifting: Defining "Best," Leading Contenders, and Historical Icons

Who is the best female powerlifter?

Determining the "best" female powerlifter is a complex endeavor, as true greatness transcends a single name and is influenced by various factors including absolute strength, relative strength across weight classes, historical impact, and the evolving landscape of the sport. While no single individual holds an undisputed title, several athletes have distinguished themselves through unparalleled records, consistency, and groundbreaking performances.

Defining "Best" in Powerlifting

The concept of "best" in powerlifting is multifaceted, requiring consideration of several key metrics beyond just who lifts the most weight:

• Absolute Strength (Total): This refers to the combined weight lifted across the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Lifters in heavier weight classes often achieve the highest absolute totals.
• Relative Strength (Wilks/DOTS Score): These formulas (Wilks being older, DOTS being more current) account for a lifter's body weight, allowing for a comparison of strength across different weight classes. A higher Wilks or DOTS score indicates greater strength relative to body mass.
• Individual Lift Records: Some lifters specialize or excel disproportionately in one lift (e.g., deadlift specialists).
• Raw vs. Equipped Lifting: "Raw" powerlifting involves minimal supportive gear (belt, wrist wraps), while "equipped" lifting allows for multi-ply suits and shirts that significantly enhance lifts. Most modern discussions focus on raw lifting.
• Longevity and Consistency: Sustained dominance over many years, maintaining elite performance through multiple competitions.
• Impact and Inspiration: The athlete's influence on the sport, their peers, and aspiring lifters.
• Federation Records: Different powerlifting federations (e.g., IPF, USPA, USAPL, WRPF) have their own record books, and standards can vary slightly.

Leading Contenders: A Look at Absolute Strength

When considering the highest raw totals achieved, particularly in the heavier weight classes, several women stand out for their sheer power:

• April Mathis: A powerhouse known for her incredible raw strength, particularly in the 198+ lbs (90+ kg) class. She held numerous world records across all three lifts and for the total, consistently pushing the boundaries of absolute strength.
• Bonica Brown: Dominating the super heavyweight class (198+/90+ kg), Bonica Brown has showcased astounding raw strength, particularly in the squat and deadlift, achieving some of the highest raw totals ever recorded by a female.
• Crystal Tate: Another formidable presence in the heavier weight classes, Tate has posted exceptional raw totals, demonstrating immense strength across all three disciplines.

Relative Strength: The Wilks and DOTS Era

For many, relative strength, as measured by Wilks or DOTS, offers a more equitable comparison across diverse body types.

• Amanda Lawrence: Often cited in discussions of "best," Amanda Lawrence has achieved unparalleled success across multiple weight classes (from 75 kg to 84 kg). Her consistent ability to set world records in the squat, deadlift, and total, coupled with incredibly high Wilks/DOTS scores, makes her a strong contender for the title of "greatest of all time" in the modern raw era.
• Kristy Hawkins: A phenomenal lifter, particularly known for her monstrous deadlift and consistently high totals in the 148 lbs (67.5 kg) and 165 lbs (75 kg) classes. Her performances routinely yield some of the highest relative strength scores.
• Heather Connor: A lighter weight class sensation (often competing at 103 lbs/47 kg or 114 lbs/52 kg), Heather Connor is renowned for her incredible deadlift strength relative to her body weight, often pulling over four times her body weight and achieving elite relative strength scores.
• Kimberly Walford: A consistent and dominant force, particularly in the 148 lbs (67.5 kg) and 165 lbs (75 kg) classes. Walford has held numerous world records, especially in the deadlift, and maintained a high level of performance for many years, showcasing both relative strength and longevity.

Historical Icons and Pioneers

Acknowledging the pioneers who laid the groundwork for modern powerlifting is essential:

• Bev Francis: An Australian bodybuilder and powerlifter, Bev Francis was a true pioneer in the 1980s, setting incredible equipped powerlifting records that were far ahead of her time. Her strength was legendary, inspiring countless women to enter strength sports.
• Liane Blyn: A long-standing figure in equipped powerlifting, Blyn held numerous world records across various weight classes and demonstrated incredible consistency and dedication over decades.

The Evolving Landscape of Powerlifting

The sport of powerlifting is continually growing and evolving. New talent emerges annually, pushing the boundaries of human strength. Improved training methodologies, greater access to coaching, and increased participation by women mean that records are constantly being challenged and broken. The "best" is not a static title but a dynamic concept, with new athletes continually making their mark. The rise of various federations also means that records are set and broken across different platforms, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the sport.

The Subjectivity of Greatness

Ultimately, who is considered the "best" can be subjective. For some, it's the absolute heaviest total. For others, it's the most dominant lifter across multiple weight classes, or the one with the highest relative strength. Still others might value longevity, technical mastery, or the inspiring impact an athlete has had on the sport.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Strength

While pinpointing a single "best" female powerlifter is challenging due to the sport's multifaceted nature, the discussion itself highlights the incredible achievements of numerous women. From absolute powerhouses to relative strength phenoms and historical pioneers, each of these athletes embodies dedication, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of strength. Their contributions continue to elevate the sport, inspire new generations, and cement the legacy of female powerlifting as a testament to human potential.