After its initial introduction to the Paralympic Games at Tokyo in 1964, when it was billed as Weightlifting, the sport now known as Powerlifting underwent a major transition.
ExCeL is the largest competition venue at the London 2012 Games. It is made up of different five arenas, each of which will host a different sport at London 2012.
Athletes compete lying on a bench that is 40-50cm off the ground.
There are currently more than 5,500 male and female lifters in the world ranking lists.
The top three reasons for having a lift disqualified are: not fully extending the arms; not lifting the bar in a single, smooth movement; or not holding the bar motionless on the chest.