Paris 2024: Para Powerlifting Day Two – Key Athletes and Full Schedule
The Para Powerlifting events at Paris 2024 continue to excite fans as Day Two unfolds at the La Chapelle Arena on September 5. This day promises to deliver high-intensity action with four gold medals up for grabs across various weight categories. Here’s a detailed look at the top competitors and what to expect during this thrilling day of competition.
Morning Highlights: Women’s Up to 50kg and Men’s Up to 59kg
Women’s Up to 50kg Final
The women’s up to 50kg final is set to be a showcase of strength and skill. Olivia Broome from Great Britain is the athlete to watch in this category. As the current world champion and a bronze medallist from the Tokyo 2020 Games, Broome has proven her prowess on the international stage. However, the competition will be fierce, with China’s Jinping Xiao also vying for the top spot. Xiao recently set an Asian record with a lift of 123 kg at the Tbilisi World Cup. While the absence of Nigeria’s Esther Oyema and China’s Hu Dandan might alter the dynamics, Xiao remains a formidable contender.
Men’s Up to 59kg Final
In the men’s up to 59kg division, all eyes will be on Qi Yongkai from China. As both the reigning Paralympic and world champion, Qi is the favourite to win. However, he will face stiff competition from El Salvador’s Herbert Aceituno, who has medalled at the Tokyo 2020 Games and the Dubai 2023 World Championships, as well as Iran’s Mohsen Bakhtiar, who has demonstrated impressive form this season. The current world record in this category, held by Egyptian athlete Osman with a lift of 211 kg since Rio 2016, could be challenged.
Evening Highlights: Women’s Up to 55kg and Men’s Up to 65kg
Women’s Up to 55kg Final
The evening session will commence with the women’s up to 55kg final, featuring Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed. Ahmed, the reigning world champion and world record holder with a lift of 135 kg, is expected to dominate. Her previous silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games in the -50kg category further underscores her strength. Ahmed’s impressive track record makes her the standout competitor in this weight class.
Men’s Up to 65kg Final
The final event of the day will be the men’s up to 65kg category, where China’s Zou Yi will be a key figure. Zou Yi, the current world champion and world record holder with a lift of 222 kg, is a strong favourite. Nevertheless, Iran’s Amir Jafari Arangeh will be looking to upgrade his Tokyo 2020 silver medal to gold. Jafari Arangeh, who also secured silver at the Dubai 2023 World Championships, is expected to be a serious contender.
Viewing Information and Key Takeaways
Day Two of the Para Powerlifting events at Paris 2024 is poised to be a day of exceptional performances and intense competition. The morning will feature the finals for the women’s up to 50kg and men’s up to 59kg categories, while the evening will showcase the women’s up to 55kg and men’s up to 65kg finals.
For those eager to catch all the action, be sure to follow the live updates and results to see which athletes will rise to the occasion and secure their place on the podium. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating day of Para Powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Games.
