Paris 2024 Paralympics: A Historic Day for Powerlifting
The powerlifting stage at the Paris 2024 Paralympics kicked off in spectacular fashion, with China’s Guo Lingling making history at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena. In a jaw-dropping display of strength and determination, Lingling shattered the world record not once, but twice, to claim her first Paralympic gold in the women’s up to 45kg category.
Guo Lingling Dominates Women’s Powerlifting
Already holding world records in both the women’s up to 41kg and 45kg categories, Lingling proved why she’s one of the most formidable athletes in the sport. Her performance began with an astonishing 113kg lift, which set a new Paralympic record. But she didn’t stop there. Lingling then raised the bar—literally—lifting 122kg to break the world record. Moments later, she shattered her own newly-set record with an incredible 123kg lift, sealing her gold medal and cementing her legacy in Paralympic powerlifting history.
“The energy from the crowd was incredible,” Lingling said after her historic win. “I’m thrilled to have set a new world record, and I owe it to my persistence and dedication to powerlifting. If someone breaks this record in the future, it would only mean the sport is evolving—and that’s a great thing.”
Medals All Around: Newson and Muratli Shine
Great Britain’s Zoe Newson earned a well-deserved silver medal with a strong 109kg lift, adding another Paralympic medal to her collection after winning bronze at Rio 2016. Meanwhile, Nazmiye Muratli, the previous champion from Rio and London, celebrated her first medal in the women’s up to 45kg event with a bronze, adding to her impressive Paralympic career.
David Degtyarev Retains His Men’s Gold
In the men’s up to 54kg category, Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev successfully defended his title, winning his second consecutive Paralympic gold. His 188kg lift secured the top spot, edging out Cuba’s Pablo Amirez Barrientos, who lifted 185kg to take home his first Paralympic silver. Degtyarev expressed his joy, saying, “After Tokyo, I didn’t stop preparing for a second. Winning here in Paris feels amazing, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to defend my title.”
China’s Yang Jinglang, after impressing with silver finishes at the 2023 Dubai and 2021 Tbilisi World Championships, clinched his first Paralympic medal with a bronze, lifting 179kg.
More Powerlifting Action Ahead at Paris 2024
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games continue, powerlifting fans can expect more thrilling action. Thursday will see four more finals at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, with athletes competing in the women’s up to 50kg and 55kg events, as well as the men’s up to 59kg and 65kg categories.
Stay tuned for more record-breaking performances and inspiring stories from the powerlifting events at Paris 2024 as the competition heats up!