The 16th Summer Paralympic Games started on 24th August and ends 5th September. Just like the Olympics (which took place 23rd July – 8th August) earlier this year, it is guaranteed to be an exciting show of talented male and female athletes. One of the fastest growing sports in the Games is para powerlifting, and this is where we’re sure to see some of the strongest disabled athletes on the planet. We look at five powerlifters who have previously competed in the Games and their stunning bench press performances that shattered records in Paralympics: 4 Eye-Opening, Powerlifting Performances You Must See!
1. Siamand Rahman
Iran’s super strong athlete was the first ever Paralympian powerlifter to break the 300kg barrier. In Rio 2016, he competed in the +107kg weight class and bench pressed a massive 310kg, earning him Paralympic and World records. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but he continues to be an inspirational figure to many Paralympic powerlifters.
2. Lucy Ejike
This phenomenally strong Nigerian powerlifter has broken world records multiple times in the sport. Since the Women’s powerlifting event was first introduced in Sydney 2000, she has competed in five Paralympics, earning 3 golds and 2 silvers along the way. She lifted a huge 142kg in the 61kg class in Rio, well over double her bodyweight.
3. Sherif Osman
Competing in Tokyo this year will be the fourth time Egypt’s Sherif Osman has participated in the Paralympics. He’s won gold medals in Beijing, London, and Rio. His lift of 211kg in the 59kg class at Rio 2016 meant he became the owner of the Paralympic and World records. An ambitious man, his goal is to earn 6 gold medals at 6 Paralympics.
4. Fatma Omar
Fatma Omar is unquestionably one of the best ever female para powerlifters. She’s won 4 Paralympic gold medals and a silver since her first Summer Paralympic Games competition in Sydney 2000. She represents Egypt in the Games, and hopes to bring back more gold when she competes this year.
Honourable mention: Haidong Zhang
Haidong is considered to be the most successful male para powerlifter after winning 4 gold medals in the Paralympics. The Chinese powerlifter broke Paralympic and world records with his powerful 240kg bench press in the 75kg class in Sydney 2000.
Which Paralympian performances have impressed you the most in Tokyo 2020 so far? Let us know in the comments below, and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram! Check out our other quick, simple “snapshot”-style Olympic articles!
