The Classic 1983 Women’s World Powerlifting Championships

The classic 1983 Women’s World Powerlifting Championships was held in Adelaide, Australia. History was made, because for the first time in powerlifting history, TEam USA was beaten by Team Australia. Many contributed to this success, but none more so that Bev Francis who lifted like she was on another planet.

12 world and 16 Australian records were broken at this benchmark contest.

The event was a superb presentation of some of the finest women strength stars in the world.  The competition has now gone down in history as a classic example of victory through team work.

See BEV FRANCIS in the days when she was a world-champion power lifter, before bodybuilding, and before becoming runner-up Ms Olympia! She started most of her first lifts when everyone else in her class was finished!

The previously undefeated Americans fell before the depth of the Aussie team. Powerful benches, backbreaking deadlifts, and grunting squats. An awesome show of strength by these unbelievably strong women.

Final Team Score:
Australia 93:  USA 86
Australia won 4 classes: USA won 5 classes

Other highlights include:

Ruthi Schafer – USA 3 World Records in the 132 lbs class, 1102 lbs total.
Bev Francis – Australia 2 World Records in the 181 lbs class, 1273 lbs total.

Front cover photo by Mike Lambert shows Gael Mulhall of Australia, winner of the 90 kg class (198 lbs) with a total of 1157 lbs.

On a historical note, this is the first ever contest shot on videotape by GMV.