powerlifting paralympics 2024 | China shines in powerlifting as Guo Lingling betters own world record
Lingning went from 121kg in February to 123kg in Paris, her best performance on the bench press, with Great Britain’s Zoe Newson finishing second, 14kg lighter than her best effort.
China’s women dominated the first day of powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympics as Guo Lingling improved her world record in the 45kg category on Wednesday.
Top of the overall medal table. | Photo credit: REUTERS
China’s women dominated the first day of powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympics as Guo Lingling improved her world record in the 45kg category on Wednesday.
Lingling, 35, had her best bench press from 121kg in February to 123kg in Paris, with Great Britain’s Zoe Newson finishing second, 14kg lighter than her best effort.
In front of a roaring but half-empty La Chapelle Arena, he put his country on the overall medal table at Paris 2024.
“I’m very excited and happy, and the atmosphere in the stadium was also very inspiring for me,” said Lingling.
The Chinese government spends a lot of money on training people. So China will always be number one in the number of gold medals.
Earlier, compatriot Cui Zhe held the Paralympic record in the up to 41kg category.
Zhe turns 38 in December and finally claimed the gold medal by lifting almost three times her weight in 119kg following four silvers in her previous Games appearances.
“I have always had faith in myself and believed that I could get the gold,” Zhe said.
“I have been very determined with this goal and never give up, always giving my best in competitions. I have realized that I had a mission that I never accomplished. Becoming a Paralympic champion was always mine. The target has been and I have always believed in achieving it,” he added.
In the men’s events, Jordan’s Omar Qarada lifted 181kg to defend his 49kg title and Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev defeated Cuba’s Pablo Ramirez to retain the 54kg title.
“After Tokyo I prepared myself non-stop for all three years, aiming to win again. I can’t say which (medal) is more important. They are both very important to me,” Degtyarev said.
Gu, 35, improved her bench press record from 121kg to 123kg, surpassing Great Britain’s Zoe Newson, who cleared 14kg.
Guo’s performance was a key contributor to China’s continued lead in the overall medal standings at Paris 2024.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd at the La Chapelle Arena, Lingling expressed his joy, attributing his success to China’s overwhelming support for his players.
“The Chinese government spends a lot of money training people,” she said.
“So China will always be first on the gold medal tally.”
Earlier in the day, fellow Chinese lifter Cui Zhe secured a Paralympic record in the up to 41kg class, lifting 119kg—nearly three times her weight—after four previous silver medals.
“I’ve always had faith in myself and believed I could get the gold,” said Zhe.
powerlifting paralympics 2024 | China shines in powerlifting as Guo Lingling betters own world record
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In the men’s powerlifting events, Jordan’s Omar Qarada lifted 181kg to 49kg to defend his title, while Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev retained the 54kg crown by edging out Cuba’s Pablo Ramirez.
Google Doodle Celebrates Paralympic Powerlifting
In support of the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris, Google paid tribute to the powerlifting event with a creative doodle on September 5.
The doodle features an animated bird lifting a baguette like a barbell, with a smaller bird enjoying the bread on top — a light-hearted celebration of strength.
The doodle was accompanied by powerlifting competitions at the Aréna Porte de La Chapelle, which will continue until September 8.
According to the official Paralympic website, the event tests upper body strength and is open to athletes with lower limb or hip impairments.
The doodle is part of a series by Google, which previously celebrated the wheelchair tennis event with similar animated artwork.
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History of Paralympic Powerlifting and Key Results
Paralympic powerlifting competition has a rich history, beginning in 1964, with women’s categories added in 2000.
On the first day of the Paris 2024 event, Guo Lingling dominated the women’s 45kg category, while Omar Qarada claimed the men’s 49kg title.
China’s Guo, Britain’s Newson and Turkey’s Nazmi Muratli claimed the podium in the women’s event.
On the men’s side, Qarada was joined by Turkey’s Ali Kayapner, who won silver, and Vietnam’s Lee Van Cong, who took bronze.
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