During the Paris Paralympics, Google unveiled a special Google Doodle on Thursday to celebrate powerlifting at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Weightlifting, which laid the foundation for powerlifting, was first used at the 1964 Paralympics in Tokyo.
Two decades later, in 1984, powerlifting was added to the Paralympic program. It was not until the Sydney Olympics in 2000 that women were given the opportunity to compete in powerlifting at the Paralympics.
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Google’s doodle aims to celebrate the athletes’ sporting skills and dedication, with a focus on wheelchair tennis. The interactive doodle features animated birds with the message: “The wait is over, the weights are here. Get ready for today’s Para Powerlifting event at the Aréna Porte de La Chappelle!”
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Ahmed aims for para powerlifting record Two men’s and two women’s powerlifting medals will be awarded on Thursday, but Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed is aiming for more than just a gold medal.
Ahmed, a two-time Paralympic silver medalist, moved up from the 50-kilogram class to 55 kilograms (121 pounds) in 2023. She then won the world title in Dubai, her fourth world title overall.
The Cairo native also set a new world record in the 55 kg class at this year’s World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Tbilisi by lifting 135 kg (297.6 pounds).
The current Paralympic record, set in 2016 by Mexican Amalia Perez Vazquez, is 130 kg.
What are the rules?
In powerlifting, participants must lower the bar to their chest, hold it there, and then push it back up with their elbows straight until their arms are fully extended.
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The men compete in the weight classes 49 kg, 54 kg, 59 kg, 65 kg, 72 kg, 80 kg, 88 kg, 97 kg, 107 kg and over 107 kg.
Women compete in the weight classes 41 kg, 45 kg, 50 kg, 55 kg, 61 kg, 67 kg, 73 kg, 79 kg, 86 kg and over 86 kg.
In a powerlifting competition, athletes lie on a specially designed bench and, after picking up or receiving the barbell at arm’s length, must wait with their elbows extended and control the bar until the chief referee gives the starting signal.
