The Powerlifting Paralympics 2024 in Paris brought the world’s strongest para-athletes together for a truly inspiring showcase of strength, determination, and athletic excellence. Taking place from September 4 to 8 at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, this event featured 180 elite athletes competing across 20 medal events, evenly split between men and women.
What is Para Powerlifting?
Para powerlifting is one of the most exciting and intense strength-based events in the Paralympic Games. Unlike traditional Olympic weightlifting, para powerlifting focuses on the bench press. Athletes must lower a weighted bar to their chest, pause, and then press the weight upward in a single, controlled movement.
This sport is open to athletes with lower limb impairments, making it one of the most inclusive strength sports in the Paralympics. It is not just about physical power — the sport demands perfect form, explosive force, and mental focus under extreme pressure.
How Athletes Qualified
The road to Paris 2024 was long and competitive. Athletes had to qualify between March 1, 2022, and June 26, 2024, by participating in a series of world and regional championships. Each country could qualify a maximum of eight male and eight female lifters, ensuring a balanced and diverse international lineup.
Standout Performances
The Powerlifting Paralympics 2024 delivered some jaw-dropping performances:
- In the men’s +107 kg category, Iran’s Ahmad Aminzadeh dominated with a lift of 263 kg, securing the gold and reaffirming his status as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
- Abdelkareem Khattab from Jordan continued his reign in the men’s 97 kg division, lifting with impeccable control and strength.
- On the women’s side, Guo Lingling of China broke her own world record in the 45 kg class with a massive 123 kg lift.
- Nigerian lifter Onyinyechi Mark shattered expectations in the 61 kg category, hoisting 150 kg and setting a new Paralympic record.
These athletes not only lifted enormous weights — they lifted the hopes and spirits of millions watching around the world.
Why This Sport Matters
Powerlifting in the Paralympics is more than just a contest of strength. It’s a symbol of resilience, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The sport is accessible to athletes from all socioeconomic backgrounds, requiring minimal equipment and training space. This makes it especially popular in countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Iran, and Jordan, which have become powerhouses in para powerlifting.
The atmosphere at the venue was electric, with fans, teammates, and coaches roaring in support as lifters battled gravity and expectations. Every successful lift was a celebration — not just of sport, but of human potential.
The Future of Para Powerlifting
As we look beyond the 2024 Paralympic Games, the momentum for para powerlifting continues to grow. More young athletes are being inspired to take up the sport, and national programs are investing more resources into training and development.
What makes para powerlifting so special is its raw purity — the challenge of lifting a barbell from chest to lockout, with nothing but strength and discipline to get the job done. It’s not just about medals; it’s about breaking barriers, both physical and psychological.
Final Thoughts
The Powerlifting Paralympics 2024 was a celebration of grit, global unity, and unmatched physical achievement. These athletes proved that with enough drive and heart, limitations are just another weight to lift.
As the sport gains more visibility and respect, it’s clear that para powerlifting will continue to inspire and lead the charge for greater inclusivity in global athletics.