9/4/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Weightlifting.
Powerlifters and lifters work tirelessly to transform their bodies. They harness and deploy neural strength to move unfathomable weight. It takes technique, a dedicated training plan, and a focus on recovery and diet to create maximum force. You will spend hours benching, pressing, squatting, and deadlifting on your path to mastering the clean and jerk and the snatch. But to you, it is all worth it. Because as a weightlifter, you have the drive needed to set that next PR, to win your weight class, or join the 500lb or 1000lb club. When we protect powerlifters and weightlifters, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Weightlifting Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Weightlifting has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- In weightlifting, there may be pressures on athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to increase strength. PEDs have negative impacts on athlete health, and pressuring athletes to use these substances is medically neglectful. Using these substances can also cause an athlete to be banned from the sport.
- Weightlifting athletes may be at risk for body dysmorphia. Frequent monitoring of muscle building can lend itself to an obsessive focus on “getting bigger.” Coaches can also have a high level of control over athletes’ nutrition and training schedules, which can blur boundaries and potentially lead to abuse.
- Training to lift heavy weights without proper rest can result in physical harm, such as overuse injuries. Such injuries can be exacerbated by a lack of physical technique and by prioritizing lifting over cross-training and recovery.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
12/2/2025
Hung jury leads to mistrial of former SPS coach accused of rape
11/30/2025
Haryana bodybuilder beaten to death for objecting to harassment of girls at wedding
11/12/2025
Coach sentenced to 76 years to life in prison for sexual assault on teens at “Strength in Christ” gyms near Denver
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Weightlifting Resources
Below are resources related to Mental Health and Safeguarding within Weightlifting.
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7 Essential Skills Every Weightlifting Coach Should Have
Safeguarding
Develop essential skills for coaching weightlifting.
Compulsive Exercise and Muscle Dysmorphia
Mental Health
Learn about muscle dysmorphia and how it relates to overexercising.
F.E.A.S.T.
Mental Health
Find support, resources, or connections for families affected by eating disorders.
Safety Measures in Weightlifting: Preventing Common Injuries
Safeguarding
Learn about common injuries and prevention in weightlifing.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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