Ahmed Abukhater

Who is Ahmed Abukhater?

Dr. Ahmed Abukhater is an architect, environmental scientist, and an urban and regional planner by trade. He is the first athlete to represent Palestine at the World Association of Bench Pressers and Dead lifters World Powerlifting Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2006.

In November, 2007, Abukhater represented Palestine again in the WABDL World Championship, in Anaheim, California, where he won his division and set a new Palestinian world record. He set a new record for the state of Illinois in 2004, and holds many national and international records in powerlifting.

The 10-year-old WABDL, one of a handful of international lifting organizations, recognized his lift as a national record for Palestine. "I think it was a groundbreaking experience," said Gus Rethwisch, the founder and president of the 4,200-member group. "He's not an activist. He's not political. He's just passionate," Rethwisch said.