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Paralympic Powerlifting: Breaking Records and Defying Limits
Paralympic powerlifting is an incredible display of strength, endurance, and determination. Unlike traditional powerlifting, which includes squats and deadlifts, Paralympic athletes compete solely in the bench press. Over the years, athletes have continuously broken records, showcasing the sport’s evolution and the growing competitiveness on the world stage.
What is Paralympic Powerlifting?
Powerlifting for the Paralympics focuses on the bench press, where athletes lie on a specialized bench and lift weights from their chest. Competitors are classified by body weight, and the goal is to lift the heaviest possible weight in three attempts. This sport is open to athletes with various physical impairments, including spinal injuries, amputations, and cerebral palsy(
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World and Paralympic Records
The records in Paralympic powerlifting are continually being pushed to new heights. Some of the most notable achievements include:
Siamand Rahman of Iran, who made history at the Rio 2016 Paralympics by becoming the first athlete to lift over 300 kg, setting the world record at an incredible 310 kg.
On the women's side, Lingling Guo from China broke the world and Paralympic records in the under-45kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Games, lifting 123 kg(
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At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, more records are expected to fall as athletes continue to push the boundaries of human strength(
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Powerlifting's Growth and Global Impact
Since its inclusion in the 1984 Paralympic Games, powerlifting has grown significantly. Initially limited to male athletes, the sport opened up to women in 2000 at the Sydney Games. Today, more than 100 countries participate, and the number of events and competitors continues to rise(
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Key Athletes to Watch
Several athletes have dominated Paralympic powerlifting:
Sherif Osman from Egypt, who holds the world record in the men's -54kg category, lifting 205 kg.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo from Nigeria, who set a women's record in the +86 kg category, lifting 152 kg at the Tokyo 2020 Games(
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Conclusion
Paralympic powerlifting showcases the strength, resilience, and spirit of athletes who continuously push past physical and mental barriers. With new talent emerging and records being broken at every event, the sport’s future is brighter than ever.
FAQs
1. What is the current world record for Paralympic powerlifting?The current world record is 310 kg, set by Iran's Siamand Rahman in the men's +107kg category.
2. How does Paralympic powerlifting differ from traditional powerlifting?Paralympic powerlifting focuses solely on the bench press, while traditional powerlifting includes squats and deadlifts.
3. When was powerlifting first introduced in the Paralympics?Powerlifting was introduced at the 1984 Paralympic Games, with women competing for the first time in 2000.
4. Who are the top powerlifting athletes to watch at Paris 2024?Look out for Lingling Guo from China and Sherif Osman from Egypt, both aiming to break new records(
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5. What are the main weight categories in Paralympic powerlifting?Athletes compete in categories ranging from under 49 kg to over 107 kg for men, and from under 41 kg to over 86 kg for women(
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