The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are in full swing, and the action heats up on Day Two of the Para Powerlifting competition at La Chapelle Arena. With four Paralympic champions set to be crowned, fans can expect intense rivalries, record-breaking performances, and world-class powerlifting from the strongest athletes in the sport.
Let’s dive into the key events and athletes to watch on Day Two, where every lift could make history.
Contents
Women’s Up to 50kg: Olivia Broome Aiming for Gold
The first event to kick off the day is the women’s up to 50kg final, where Great Britain’s reigning world champion, Olivia Broome, is a strong favorite to take home the gold. Broome, a bronze medallist at Tokyo 2020, has continued to excel in recent competitions, but the rising stars from across the globe are expected to challenge her. One such competitor is China’s Jinping Xiao, who recently set a new Asian record by lifting an impressive 123kg at the Tbilisi World Cup. With athletes like Xiao stepping up, Broome will have to deliver her best performance to stay ahead.
Also keep an eye on Bose Bejide, who has showcased her strength in recent competitions. However, notable names like China’s Hu Dandan and world record holder Esther Oyema of Nigeria will not be competing, opening the field for other contenders.
Men’s Up to 59kg: Qi Yongkai Defends His Crown
The men’s up to 59kg category will feature reigning Paralympic and world champion Qi Yongkai of China, who is widely regarded as the man to beat. His dominance in recent competitions, including his victories at Tokyo 2020 and Dubai 2023, makes him the top favorite for the gold.
That said, the competition is fierce. Herbert Aceituno from El Salvador, a medallist at both Tokyo 2020 and the Dubai 2023 World Championships, will be looking to dethrone the Chinese champion. Additionally, Iran’s Mohsen Bakhtiar has had an incredible season and could pose a serious threat.
The world record for this category is still held by Egyptian Osman, who lifted a staggering 211kg at the Rio 2016 Games, adding an extra layer of excitement to see if anyone can come close to breaking this record.
Showdown of the Day: Women’s Up to 55kg
One of the most anticipated events on Day Two is the showdown in the women’s up to 55kg category between Ukraine’s Mariana Shevchuk and Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed.
Mariana Shevchuk is the reigning Paralympic champion and the Tbilisi 2021 World Championships gold medallist, known for her consistency and strength. However, Rehab Ahmed is in red-hot form, coming into Paris 2024 as the reigning world champion and current world record holder, having lifted a massive 135kg. Ahmed also claimed silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games, competing in the lighter -50kg category.
This clash of champions promises to be one of the highlights of the entire Para Powerlifting competition, with both athletes eager to claim gold and set new records in the process.
Men’s Up to 65kg: Zou Yi vs. Amir Jafari Arangeh
Wrapping up Day Two will be the men’s up to 65kg final, where China’s Zou Yi enters as the reigning world champion and world record holder. His record-setting 222kg lift marks him as the favorite for gold, but he’ll face strong competition from Iran’s Amir Jafari Arangeh.
Jafari Arangeh, who took silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games and the Dubai 2023 World Championships, is determined to improve his standings and turn his previous silver medals into gold. With both men performing at the peak of their powers, this event promises a thrilling end to Day Two’s competition.
Also read – Google Doodle Honors Paralympic Powerlifting: A Tribute to Strength with a Fun Twist!
Conclusion
Day Two of the Para Powerlifting competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promises to deliver high-stakes action and world-class performances. From Olivia Broome’s quest for gold to the highly anticipated showdown between Mariana Shevchuk and Rehab Ahmed, these athletes are set to push the limits of strength and endurance on one of the world’s biggest stages.
FAQs
Q: Who are the favorites in the women’s up to 50kg event?
A: Great Britain’s Olivia Broome is the reigning world champion and Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist. China’s Jinping Xiao, who recently set a new Asian record, is also expected to be a strong contender.
Q: What makes the women’s up to 55kg event so exciting?
A: The women’s up to 55kg event features a thrilling showdown between Ukraine’s Mariana Shevchuk, the reigning Paralympic champion, and Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed, the current world champion and record holder.
Q: Who is expected to win the men’s up to 65kg event?
A: Zou Yi of China is the reigning world champion and world record holder, but Amir Jafari Arangeh from Iran, a Tokyo 2020 silver medallist, will be eager to challenge him for the gold.
Q: What is the significance of Qi Yongkai in the men’s up to 59kg event?
A: Qi Yongkai is the reigning Paralympic and world champion in the men’s up to 59kg category, making him the man to beat in this event.
