ilovebenching
Member
It's tricky to definitively say "strongest" as it varies by sport, but here are athletes and sports where exceptional strength is paramount, beyond powerlifting:
Sports and Athlete Types:
- American Football (NFL):
- Offensive and defensive linemen: These players demonstrate immense raw strength for blocking, tackling, and pushing. Their ability to generate explosive power is crucial.
- Olympic Weightlifting:
- These athletes showcase incredible strength and technical skill in the snatch and clean and jerk. While related to powerlifting, the explosive nature of these lifts sets them apart.
- CrossFit Athletes:
- CrossFit competitors possess a well-rounded strength, combining weightlifting, gymnastics, and endurance. They demonstrate functional strength in diverse movements.
- Rugby Players:
- Rugby demands a blend of raw strength, tackling power, and scrummaging ability. Players need to be strong and resilient.
- Gymnasts (especially male gymnasts):
- They exhibit exceptional upper body strength and control, particularly on the rings and parallel bars.
- Combat Sports (MMA, Wrestling, Boxing):
- These sports require a combination of strength, power, and explosiveness for grappling, striking, and takedowns.
- Bobsleigh Athletes:
- These athletes need explosive leg power to push the bobsleigh at the start of a race.
- "Strength" can mean different things: raw lifting power, explosive power, or functional strength.
- Many athletes across sports incorporate strength training, so strength is a factor in many sports.