As the Paralympic Powerlifting competition continues at the La Chapelle Arena on September 5, four new champions will emerge, with two titles decided in the afternoon and two more in the evening. Here’s a comprehensive look at the schedule and the standout athletes to watch on day two in Paris.
Morning Competitions: Rising Stars and Reigning Champions
Women’s Up to 50kg: A Clash of Titans
The day’s events kick off with the women’s up to 50kg final, promising a dynamic and thrilling contest. Olivia Broome from Great Britain, the reigning world champion and Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist, is a strong contender for gold. However, the recent rise of new competitors at World Cups adds an element of unpredictability to the competition.
China’s Jinping Xiao, who set a new Asian record with a 123 kg lift in Tbilisi, and Bose Bejide, who showcased impressive performances, will be notable competitors. Despite the absence of China’s Hu Dandan and Nigeria’s Esther Oyema (world record holder with a 131kg lift), the contest remains highly anticipated.
Men’s Up to 59kg: Defending Champion and New Rivals
Following the women’s final, the men’s up to 59kg category will take center stage. Qi Yongkai of China, the defending Paralympic and world champion, is the top favorite in this category.
Herbert Aceituno from El Salvador, a medallist at Tokyo 2020 and the Dubai 2023 World Championships, and Iran’s Mohsen Bakhtiar, who has delivered commanding performances this season, are expected to provide strong competition. The current world record, held by Egypt’s Osman with a lift of 211kg since Rio 2016, adds to the stakes of this event.
Evening Session: Top Contenders and World Records
Women’s Up to 55kg: Reigning Champion and Record Holder
The evening session begins with the women’s up to 55kg final, featuring Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed. Ahmed, the current world champion and world record holder with a 135kg lift, is also a silver medallist from the Tokyo 2020 Games in the 50kg category. Her recent form suggests a strong performance, making her a key athlete to follow.
Men’s Up to 65kg: A Showdown of Power
The final event of the day will be the men’s up to 65kg final. China’s Zou Yi, the reigning world champion and world record holder with a 222kg lift, is the athlete to beat. However, Iran’s Amir Jafari Arangeh, who won silver at Tokyo 2020 and Dubai 2023 World Championships, will be aiming to convert his previous silver medals into a gold victory.
With such a high caliber of athletes and record-holding performances, day two of the Paralympic Powerlifting competition promises to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce competition.