In a powerlifting competition, which lifting attempt is scored?

In powerlifting competitions, the scoring is based on the highest lift achieved in each of the three categories: squat, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors aim to obtain their best possible lift in each category, which then contributes to their overall total score for the competition. The total score is the sum of these highest successful attempts.

This method of scoring emphasizes that it is the highest successful lift that counts, aligning with the competitive goal of achieving maximum performance in each individual lift. This format is designed to reward lifters for their best efforts in each category, motivating athletes to focus on their strongest lift while competing.

The other methods of scoring, such as averaging successful lifts or considering the lowest successful lift, do not reflect the typical competition structure in powerlifting, wherein the aim is to achieve the best performance possible in each specific lift, culminating in the total score that determines rankings. Furthermore, counting all attempts regardless of their success would undermine the competitive integrity by not validating the effectiveness of each lifter's performance.