French Powerlifter Mael Le Paven Gets Caught Cheating During IPF Event
- French powerlifter got caught using a slingshot and a squat suit in raw powerlifting
- He was caught by a fellow powerlifter from another team who exposed Mael on video
- The judges had no clue that Mael was cheating which is also concerning
Mael Le Paven got caught cheating at the IPF One Masters Powerlifting competition and literally ran away from the venue. The 41-year-old powerlifter was caught using a slingshot and a squat suit. These pieces of equipment are perfectly legal to use in an equipped powerlifting competition. However, Mael got caught using them in the raw powerlifting division, where lifters rely only on pure strength.
French Powerlifter Got Caught Cheating
Mael secretly wore a squat suit but his malpractice became apparent when it was his turn to lift. While squatting, he struggled to gain depth due to his suit. It is a common practice in the equipped division. During both of his squat attempts, Mael struggled to hit depth but still managed to complete the lift.
His squat felt more like a weightlifting squat than a powerlifting squat as he only relied on his quads, as per one of the judges. In his third attempt, Mael struggled a lot but still pulled through and would’ve won a gold medal if he had not cheated.
Mael’s cheating became clear during benchpress as he wore a slingshot during all his attempts. A slingshot restricts your arms in the outward/upward position to help you during a heavy bench press. When Mael’s first attempt began, he quickly came on stage with both his arms up in the air and immediately sat down to squat. As soon as he completed his lift, he ran backstage to avoid any suspicion.
What’s really embarrassing is the fact none of the judges during the IPF One Powerlifting competition noticed that Mael’s suspicious behaviour. However, as soon as another powerlifter from Vikings Veneto @vikings_veneto confronted Mael, he started running away. Thankfully, the fellow powerlifter recorded the incident and uploaded it on Instagram.
IPF was also in the news recently for suspending USAPL over “too much drug testing.” While a lot of lifters want to compete in the IPF events incidents like these does put a stain on its reputation. Here’s to hooping IPF can work out its kinks.
benchpress, Featured, IPF, squat
Chad holds a bachelors degree in Biotechnology and Nutritional Science and has been working out since he was in high school. Apart from handling the duties of an Editor at Powerlifting Motivation, he helps his clients make informed nutritional decisions.
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