Bobby Body on Para powerlifting as therapy and aiming for first Worlds medal

For Bobby Body, Para powerlifting is more than just a sport – it’s his lifeline.

“Para powerlifting means everything to me because it’s a form of therapy as well as competition. It helps me manage my physical disability and my PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] from serving in the military. Overall, it’s a very therapeutic experience for me,” said the ex-USA Marine who competed in his first Paralympics in Paris at the age of 50.

Body’s path to the sport has been shaped by adversity and resilience. Abandoned by his mother at age 5 and with his father arrested when he was 10, he spent much of his youth in an orphanage before becoming homeless. 

Later, while serving in the US military in Iraq, Body lost his left leg — a life-changing moment that eventually landed him in Para sports.

Despite these obstacles, Body’s rise in Para powerlifting has been phenomenal. 

He was first introduced to the sport at a camp in 2015 but did not pursue it seriously until later. Body got another opportunity to join the sport, but surgeries and then the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his plans. In March 2021, he finally reconnected with the sport thanks to a chance gym meeting with a fellow Para powerlifter Antonio Martin. 

Bobby Body of the USA 🇺🇸 lifts 210kg in the first attempt and celebrates in style. 🥳

Group B is in full swing. 🏋️#Dubai2023 | #ParaPowerlifting | @ParaSport | @Paralympics | @USAPowerlifting | @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/nTjReraktC

— Para Powerlifting (@Powerlifting) August 25, 2023

International debut

In July, he was selected to represent Team USA, making his international debut at the 2021 World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia.

“It’s been a fantastic run. I didn’t realise how big and exciting Para powerlifting was until my first competition - I had no idea the amount of production they put into these events. I immediately fell in love with the sport and wanted to pursue it more.” 

Just two years later, Body made history by becoming the first US Para powerlifter to win a gold medal at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

“I cried when I won gold. Hearing the US national anthem on the podium was incredibly emotional, knowing it was a first for our team,” he recalled.

“For me personally, it was very overwhelming because I found out that I was the first USA Para powerlifter to ever win a gold medal at the Parapan Am Games.”

The success in Santiago was already an indication of his growing stature and Body went on to make his Paralympic debut at Paris 2024.

“The Games were one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had in my life,” he said.

The preparation was particularly tough for Body as he caught COVID just two months before the Games, but he recovered right in time to compete. 

“One of my favourite moments was lining up outside the stadium and hearing the roaring cheers from the crowd. It didn’t matter which country you were from – everyone was just excited and 
full of energy,” he remembered with pride while also thanked the Olympic athletes for increasing the awareness around the Paralympics in Paris.

Cairo 2025 World Championships

Body is currently preparing for the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo this October. His confidence is high after lifting a personal best of 235kg in a recent qualifier.

He has trained consistently for nine months without missing a session and his primary goal is to reach the podium in Cairo after narrowly missing out in Paris – he finished fourth in Paris 2024 in the men’s up to 107kg category.

Looking ahead, Body has his sights firmly set on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where he hopes to represent Team USA and compete in front of a home crowd. 

“It’s beyond exciting and I can’t stop thinking about it. I have pictures on the walls in my gym, and I write myself notes. I look at them every day to keep my focus. 

“Representing your country at the Games in your country makes the achievement feel that little more special,” he concluded.