Strength athletics

Strength athletics is the collection of strength sports which measure physical strength,^[1] based on both: non-standard and historical implements as seen in Strongman^[2] and Highland games,^[3] and standardized and calibrated equipment as seen in Powerlifting^[4] and Weightlifting.^[5]

Some of the disciplines have similarities to each other and although it is very difficult to master more than one, some athletes participate in several of them and perform at world class levels. Weightlifting consists of two main lifts (snatch and clean & jerk)^[5] and powerlifting consists of three main lifts (squat, bench and deadlift)^[4] where all test the maximal strength (one rep max output). Highland games consists of up to about ten different disciplines (including stone put, Scottish hammer throw, weight throw, weight over bar, caber toss, keg toss and sheaf toss)^[3] while strongman span across more than thirty different lifts and events (including deadlift, vehicle pull, log lift, axle press, stonelifting, stone carrying, circus dumbbell press, yoke carry, farmers walk, squat, basque circle, loading medleys and grip events), testing both maximal strength and physical endurance.^[2]

At present day, Strongman takes the bulk of the strength athletics domain, owing to involving both standardized and non standardized tests of strength,^[6] as well as for its highly diversified nature.