Recently, we noticed there were a lot of discussions on IPF Korea’s decision to ban athletes training in Train True (Korea). A lot of athletes have since voiced out on boycotting the IPF. However, as IPF is responsible for selecting national athletes to compete at International IPF events, boycotting might hurt many powerlifters’ career! So what actually happened that caused the ban on Train True athletes?
IPF Ban
IPF Korea released a statement on the 31st January 2023 to inform people that athletes who joined any USAPL training or competitions would be banned from competing in IPF. However, the ban extended to athletes who were affiliated with Train True, the gym that is affiliated with USAPL. While USAPL is an “illegal entity” in the eyes of IPF, Train True is a separate entity. Which means that USAPL Korea does not equivilate to Train True, vice versa.
The ban started on 26th February 2023 with no specification of how long the ban would be instate for. Athletes who reached out to IPF Korea and its director received no response despite trying to call, email or direct message through instagram. Some athletes and their affiliated gyms or sponsors even find themselves getting blocked by IPF on social media.
Who’s Affected?
- Athletes who train under Train True
- Athletes who competed at USAPL (Korea or any other locations)
- Athletes who work for Train True
- Athletes who attended Train True workshops
Banned by IPF Korea
IPF has a record of banning athletes for “misusing social media” to post hurtful content to their organization. While many athletes support the ban on IPF, there are repercussions to boycotting IPF. An IPF ban means you cannot compete for the nationals in IPF. Although USAPL Korea received a lot of attention, it is not as big of an organization as IPF. A lot of athletes view the IPF World Games as the pinnacle of powerlifting achievements and getting a ban would mean never being able to participate.
What are Athletes Fighting for?
Athletes right now are asking for IPF to lift the ban and to stop banning athletes on unreasonable grounds. Many also claim that it is unjust to stop athletes from competing in other federations. There is a demand for freedom to compete, especially in meets organized by USAPL Korea.
My Thoughts
More competition opportunities are crucial to a growing powerlifting community. Stifling competition by banning athletes and “outlawing” other institutions is an abuse of power and an attempt to monopolize powerlifting. Trying to establish monopoly will always be unethical and an act of injustice as athletes suffer.
This whole incident shows the pettiness of IPF and will only help USAPL grow as the risk of being an IPF athlete runs high. As USAPL continue to establish itself, IPF may try new antics to prevent its growth or other “rival organizations”. This is childish at core and very disgraceful to witness.