China’s women dominated the first day of powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympics as Guo Lingling improved her world record in the up to 45kg class on Wednesday. #Paris2024Paralympics
Lingling, 35, took her best on the bench press from 121kg in February to 123kg in Paris with Britain’s Zoe Newson in second place, 14kg lighter with her leading effort.
Lingling’s contributions in front of a vocal but half-empty La Chapelle Arena kept her country atop the overall medal table at Paris 2024.
“I am very excited and happy, and the atmosphere at the stadium was also very inspiring to me,” Lingling said.
“The Chinese government spends a lot of money training people. So China will always be first on the gold medal tally,” she added.
Earlier, compatriot Cui Zhe had secured a Paralympic record in the up to 41kg category.
Zhe, who turns 38 in December, claimed the gold medal by lifting 119kg, nearly three times her weight. This victory followed 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’ve been very determined with this target and never given up, always giving my best performance at competitions. I’ve felt that I’ve had a mission that I’ve never completed. To become a Paralympic champion has always been my target and I’ve always had faith in getting it done,” she added.
In the men’s competitions, Jordan’s Omar Qarada defended his 49kg title with a 181kg lift. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev retained his up to 54kg title, holding off Cuba’s Pablo Ramirez.
Moreover, the Paris 2024 Paralympics continue to demonstrate the rising standard of competition. As athletes like Guo Lingling push boundaries, the games display an exceptional level of skill, perseverance, and unwavering determination. #Paris2024Paralympics
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