Huge success for Rehab Ahmed: It worked for Rehab Ahmed the third time. The Egyptian powerlifter finally won gold on Thursday, September 5, during day two of Para powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She had won silver in her first two Paralympic Games.
On her debut attempt in the women’s up to 55 kg final at La Chapelle Arena, Ahmed left a lasting impression. She is a four-time world winner. The 117 kg lift would have been enough to win gold, but in the second round, she beat that with a 121 kg mark.
I want to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, that’s been my goal since I began powerlifting. This is my third Paralympics. I won a medal in Rio. In Tokyo 2020, I won a silver medal. I won a gold medal in Paris and am very, very happy.
Besra Duman won silver in 113 kg powerlifting at Paris 2024, giving Turkey its third Paralympic title. Kamolpan Kraratpet won the bronze medal in the 108 kg weight class. It was Thailand’s first medal in the sport since Beijing 2008.
The very last event on Thursday was also one of the most hard-fought ones of the day. Five people competed in the final round of the men’s up to 65 kg event, with the top three spots up for grabs.
After coming in third after the second round, Nigeria’s Thomas Kure failed his last try and had to settle for fifth. After that, Amir Jafari Arangeh of Iran briefly moved up to third place (206 kg) until Hocine Bettir of Algeria set a new record of 209 kg in his third lift.
In his first Paralympics, Mark Swan of Great Britain lifted 213 kg, which put him in first place. However, Zou Yi of China lifted 215 kg, which won him the gold medal. He then tried to beat his own world record in the power lift, but at 223 kg, he failed.
“I’m more excited about this one than the world title.” It means something different. I didn’t get the Paralympic gold, but I did win the World Championships. As Yi said, “I’m grateful for the people who have helped me and encouraged me to keep going.”
In the first event of the day, the women’s up to 50 kg, Clara Fuentes made more history for Venezuela. She was the first person from her country to win a Paralympic medal in powerlifting with a bronze in Tokyo 2020. On her way to gold at La Chapelle Arena, she set a new Paralympic record (124 kg).
“I can’t say anything because I’m so upset.” Still, my hands are shaking. Fuentes said, “I don’t know when they’ll stop.” “I’m very happy and satisfied to give this win to Venezuela.”
Olivia Broome won the bronze medal, and Xiao Jinping of China won the silver medal.
Mohamed Elmenyawy was another Egyptian athlete who won a medal on Thursday. He won the Paralympic title in the men’s up to 59 kg category in his first Games. Qi Yongkai from China won silver, and Mohsen Bakhtiar from Iran won bronze.
Friday is the last day of Para powerlifting. The finals for men up to 72 kg, women up to 61 kg, women up to 67 kg, and men up to 80 kg will take place.
