“Breaking Records and Barriers: Powerlifting’s Role in the Paralympics 2024”
The two French representatives in the different categories , Alex Adélaïde and Axel Bourlon, could not do better than sixth place, with the latter not ranked after three failed attempts.
In the women’s categories, two Paralympic records and one world record were broken. The biggest medal hopes rested on his shoulders and his pectorals.
Axel Bourlon, Paralympic silver medallist in Tokyo in 2021, was welcomed as a hero at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle. The blue, white and red tifo, the many flags and the noise of the crowd contrasted with the demeanour of the crying man. Sitting on the bench before his first attempt, he closed his eyes for thirty seconds, entering his zone. The once noisy crowd fell into reverent silence.
Alas, his first attempt at 163 kg was invalidated by two of the three judges. The vchallenge confirmed the decision, meaning he would need to perform better on the second lift. Meanwhile, David Degtyarev of Kazakhstan cleared his first lift at 184 kg, taking the lead in the competition. An Nguyen of Vietnam withdrew after failing his first attempt at 168 kg.
With his ranking at the lowest, Axel Bourlon decided to increase the weight for his second attempt. “We don’t really understand the decision on the first lift; I felt comfortable with that weight, which is why I decided to increase it,” he explained to reporters. A lift at 169 kg could have given him provisional fifth place. However, due to poor control with his right arm, his execution was invalidated by all three judges. Once again, the video challenge did not overturn the decision. With his head in his hands, Bourlon realized he had lost his chance. After Tokyo, he will not return to the podium. Worse, his third attempt at 169 kg also failed. Axel Bourlon did not even get a ranking.
“It is a huge disappointment because I did not come here for this; I wanted a medal, and the best possible medal. I am leaving these Games empty-handed,” he admitted later.
In the end, Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev (188 kg) prevailed over Pablo Ramirez Barrientos (Cuba, 185 kg) and Xinglang Yang (China, 179 kg).
Powerlifting at the Paralympics 2024:
What is powerlifting?
Powerlifting is a strength sport that focuses on three core lifts: the squat, bench press and deadlift. Unlike traditional weightlifting, powerlifting emphasizes lifting maximum weight in these core movements, making it a true test of raw strength. For athletes with a disability, powerlifting becomes not just a sport, but a profound display of resilience and determination.
The Evolution of Paralympic Powerlifting
Since its debut at the 1984 New York Paralympics, powerlifting has evolved significantly. It has gone from being a niche event to a major spectacle, with more and more countries participating and records being broken constantly. The 2024 Paralympics in Paris will continue this trend, showcasing new talent and setting the stage for exciting competitions.
Highlights to watch in 2024
1. Rising stars:
The 2024 Paralympics are expected to introduce a new generation of talented powerlifters. Athletes from diverse backgrounds and varying disabilities will bring new energy and impressive skills to the stage. Keep an eye out for the rising competitors who are set to make their mark on the global stage.
2. Record-breaking performances:
The urge to set records is a hallmark of powerlifting. Each Paralympic Games brings new records, and 2024 will be no exception. Fans can expect a fierce battle for gold and new standards to be set as athletes push the boundaries of what is possible.
3. Inspirational stories:
Behind every lift is a story of incredible dedication and sacrifice. The 2024 Games will shine a spotlight on athletes whose journey to the podium has been filled with challenges and triumphs. These stories will not only inspire, but also raise awareness of the capabilities of athletes with disabilities.
The impact of Paralympic powerlifting
Paralympic powerlifting has a profound impact beyond competition. It serves as a powerful tool to promote inclusivity and change perceptions about disability. By showcasing the remarkable abilities of athletes, powerlifting helps break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society
Support and follow the Games
As the Paralympics draw near, there are many ways to get involved and show support:
– Watch the Games: Tune in on live broadcasts or streaming services to watch exciting events unfold.
– Follow athletes: Many athletes have social media profiles where they share their training, experiences, and insights. Following them can lead to a deeper connection to the sport.
– Spread the word: Share the excitement and inspire others by talking about the incredible feats of Paralympic and powerlifting athletes.