Paris Paralympics 2024: China’s Guo Lingling Shatters World Record In Powerlifting

Chinese athlete Guo Lingling shattered the world record not once, but twice to clinch her first Paralympic gold in women’s up to 45kg event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. 

Lingling wowed the crowd on the opening day of the Para powerlifting action at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

China’s dominance continues at Paris Paralympics 2024

Lingling, the world record (WR) holder in both women’s up to 41kg and up to 45kg events shattered the Paralympic record as she began with 113kg, before upgrading the WR twice – lifting 122kg and 123 kg en route to winning the gold.

“The atmosphere of the audience is so great, and I feel very excited about setting a world record,” said an elated Lingling after her brilliant performance. 

“The Chinese government spends a lot of money training people. So China will always be first on the gold medal tally,” she added.

Great Britain’s Zoe Newson took home the silver medal with a decent 109kg and her second Paralympic medal in the category after the bronze medal at 2016 Rio Paralympics. 

Nazmiye Muratli, the Rio 2016 -41kg and London -40kg champion, got her first Paralympic medal in women -45kg.  

Earlier, compatriot Cui Zhe had secured a Paralympic record in the up to 41kg category. Zhe, 37, finally claimed the gold medal by lifting almost three times her weight in 119kg following four silvers in her previous Paralympic appearances.

“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,” Zhe said.

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In the men’s events, Omar Qarada of Jordan defended his 49kg title with a 181kg lift and Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev secured his crown in up to 54kg title by prevailing over Pablo Ramirez of Cuba.

Competition at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena will continue on Thursday with four finals – women’s up to 50 and up to 55kg, men’s up to 59kg and up to 65kg events- to take place.