If we're comparing
top-flight practitioners (
best of the best/apple-to-apple) of each discipline, this is how it pans out ...
#1: Powerlifter ~ A raw/classic elite lifter will exhibit the greatest absolute strength, pound for pound. Despite all the goofy-as-fuck multi-ply gear, the act of squatting to depth, bench pressing with full control and deadlifting monstrous weight from the floor constitutes athleticism. Specifically, as mentioned, the athletic attribute of absolute strength. Just like marathon runners exhibit the specific athletic attribute of cardiovascular conditioning.
#2: Strongman ~ Must have a strong foundation in the development in absolute strength. With this, he can then develop the dynamic athleticism to perform the various events. An incredible work capacity is a must.
#3: Olympic lifter/weightlifter ~ While possessing incredible strength, the greater attributes for ultimate success for weightlifters is agility, technical precision, power/explosiveness and co-ordination/skill. Absolute strength is not nearly as prized here as it is for the powerlifter. Distance of resistance moved has
zero to do with determining one sport as a sport and another as not. To argue for this ridiculous notion is to suggest sprinters aren't athletes because they do not cover as much distance as a marathon runner, etc.
#4: Bodybuilder ~ Many bodybuilders possess an incredible capacity for pushing and pulling sub-maximal poundage for insane aggregate volume. Hence the exceptional muscular development in terms of muscle belly hypertrophy and, often, visual vascularity.
And, again, remember this is comparing apples to apples in each discipline and "in general".
P.S. It's always disheartening to read responses from so many here who haven't the foggiest idea about something, yet insist on exposing this fact to all those who do.
