Yesterday, USA Powerlifting (USAPL) made an announcement that shook the powerlifting community. In their announcement USAPL stated that they would not be sending teams to multiple 2020 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) competitions.
In their press release, USAPL confirmed that no teams would be sent to the IPF:
- World Classic and Equipped Bench Press World Championships (Russia)
- World Classic Powerlifting World Championships (Belarus)
- World Masters Classic and Equipped World Championships (South Africa)
In the press release they write that the decision was made based on the health of their athletes and on current travel recommendations.
They write, “This decision was made amid the international health crisis caused by COVID-19 and the US State Department’s Level 4 international travel advisory, its highest warning level.”
Related: Full List of 2020 Powerlifting Meets That Have Been Canceled or Rescheduled!
They continue by adding, “The decision to suspend the USA Powerlifting National Teams was not made lightly. This marks the first time in organization history that such a decision has been made. The Executive Committee understands the importance of international competition to its athletes and how this decision impacts everyone involved.
IPF Open Worlds (Norway) and The NAPF Championships (Cayman Islands) are still being closely monitored at this time.”
The decision to withdraw from multiple meets is a USA Powerlifting first and it’s certainly brought a lot speculation as to what’s to come for Team USA’s participation in future international meets.
How Team USA Members Have Responded
A few of Team USA’s members have shared posts about the news and we are expecting more athletes to share their thoughts as time passes.
Amanda Lawrence -84kg
Amanda Lawrence touched on the topic in her latest Instagram video’s description writing, “220 lbs / 100 kg for larsen sets of 8 (PR) after comp sets bench is no longer looking like weak point 👀 deep off season coming into nationals (sadly now that worlds isn’t happening for USA)”
Heather Connor -47kg
Heather Connor made a full post discussing the decision and in part of it writes, “Well. As most have probably heard by now: Team USA will NOT be competing this year at IPF Worlds. While this stings for me and my teammates I understand why the decision was made and I am thankful that our health and well being is top priority. this would be my 3rd World Championship Title. (cont.)”
Taylor Atwood -74kg
Reigning IPF -74kg world champion Atwood shared a length post writing, “Just found out the USAPL has decided not send a team to the World Championship this year due to concerns over COVID-19. While I initially was upset because I truly wanted to defend my World Championship in Belarus where I had some unfinished business, I called my dad to get his perspective.
While I did have unfinished business in Belarus, I think I have more unfinished business on US soil. A lot of talk around other 74’s coming for my throne. Well, here we are. Nothing standing in our way now. Time to put up or shut up. I’m coming for heads at Nationals and I promise you that I’m doing everything in my power to prove once again that I am the strongest.”
To say this year has been interesting would be an understatement, and while it’s sad that we won’t get to see Team USA compete at IPF Classic Worlds, we can now shift our attention to these athletes’ performances at USAPL Raw Nationals.
Feature image from @t_atwood Instagram page.