From Backyard Lifts to Global Recognition: The Story of Richard Lubanza

When you meet Richard Lubanza, you are not just encountering a Para Powerlifting coach, you are meeting a man whose journey through sport is a powerful story of resilience, passion and purpose. Born and raised in Zambia, Richard has become a household name in Para sports, not only as a high performing athlete but now as an accomplished coach. His story is one of self-belief, mentorship and a refusal to let disability define his limits.

Richard Lubanza at OYDC Gym

Lubanza was introduced to Para Powerlifting in 2011 by his late cousin, Sarah Kenda, a multi-talented Para athlete who played wheelchair basketball and competed in powerlifting. Her encouragement planted the seed that would eventually blossom into a thriving athletic career.

Before being introduced to Para sports, Lubanza was already a highly active individual. Despite living with a disability, he was well known in his community for playing local football, popularly known as Chimpombwa, with his able-bodied friends.

 “I was the only physically challenged person on the field,” he said.

 Among those friends was Amon Moyo, who remains his best friend to this day and now serves as the national Para Powerlifting coach.

Lubanza’s passion for strength training began long before formal competitions. He had his own set of weights at home and trained regularly with friends in what he describes as “backyard gym workouts.” When he was finally introduced to Para Powerlifting, he adapted quickly.

“It was easy for me to settle into the sport because I was already used to lifting heavy weights,” said Lubanza.

One of his most memorable moments as an athlete came during the Dubai World Para Powerlifting Championship. Despite facing serious logistical challenges, uncertainties around travel payments, restricted access to training, and mental stress, he managed to rise above the pressure.

After failing his first two attempts, he went on to make a successful final lift of 160 kg, beating his personal best of 145 kg.

“That competition taught me the power of mental strength and determination,” he said.

Throughout his career, Richard Lubanza has encountered many challenges, including lack of sponsorship, transport issues to training venues, injuries, and poor access to proper nutrition.

 “Para sports have shaped me positively, both personally and professionally. Society now respects me, and many people no longer look at me through the lens of disability,” Lubanza said.

Professionally, the sport has taken him from athlete to coach. “I have become a role model to many, both physically challenged and non-physically challenged individuals. I have made friends across the world and visited countries I never thought I would see.”

His career has been full of milestones, he is the first and only classified Para Powerlifting athlete from Zambia, and the first to represent the country at several major international events including the All African Games, GAPS Africa training camps, the Commonwealth Games, and the World Para Powerlifting Championships.

Richard Lubanza at Dubai para powerlifting World Championship

His most recent major appearance was at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he competed against some of the best athletes in the world. “It was my first time competing at such a high level. I was nervous but excited,” he shared. Despite the pressure, he performed well, with successful lifts of 140 kg and 145 kg. Although his final attempt of 150 kg was disqualified, Lubanza was ranked among the top eight athletes in the competition.

Now a certified coach, Richard Lubanza completed his training with AGITOS in Lilongwe and earned his Level 4 coaching certification from the World Para Powerlifting Organisation (WPPO) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). He also completed the GAPS Para Coach e-learning course.

“What motivated me to become a coach was the love and dedication I have for the sport,” Lubanza said. “I want to share what I have learned and help young athletes grow.”

Lubanza’s motto, which he shares often with young athletes, is “Disability is not inability.”

Reflecting on his journey, he said, sport has changed his life and It has given him purpose, confidence, and a platform to inspire others.

Richard Lubanza stands as a symbol of strength not just in physical power, but in courage, persistence, and the will to overcome. His story is not just about weightlifting; it’s about lifting others through hope, motivation, and the belief that every challenge can be turned into a triumph.