Paris 2024 Paralympic Games | Para Powerlifting: One World Record, Two Paralympic Records But No French Medal On The First Day Of Competition

The Para powerlifting competition took center stage at the Arena Porte de La Chapelle, where the audience was treated to an emotional rollercoaster filled with triumphs, heartbreaks, and record-breaking performances. Two French powerlifters, Alex Adelaïde and Axel Bourlon, carried the hopes of their nation but faced different outcomes. While the day brought disappointment for the French contingent, the competition also witnessed moments of brilliance, particularly in the women’s categories where new Paralympic and world records were set.

Axel Bourlon’s Battle Ends in Heartache

Axel Bourlon, a Paralympic silver medalist from Tokyo 2021, entered the arena with high hopes and expectations. As one of France’s most promising athletes, Bourlon was greeted by a passionate crowd. The arena was adorned in the colors of the French flag, and the atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly anticipated Bourlon’s performance. However, the weight of expectations seemed to take its toll on the Frenchman, leading to a day of immense disappointment.

Sitting on the bench, Bourlon took a moment to close his eyes and compose himself before his first attempt. The arena, once filled with cheers, fell into a hushed silence, allowing Bourlon to focus. His opening lift of 163 kilograms, which should have been routine, was invalidated by two of the three judges. The decision stood even after a video challenge, forcing Bourlon to regroup quickly.

Determined to bounce back, Bourlon increased the weight for his second attempt, opting for 169 kilograms. Confident in his abilities, he hoped to climb the rankings. However, fate was not on his side. His second attempt was marked by an error in execution, as his right arm faltered, leading to another failed lift. This time, all three judges invalidated the attempt, and Bourlon’s disappointment was palpable.

The final attempt offered one last shot at redemption, but once again, Bourlon faltered. The 169-kilogram lift proved elusive, and the Frenchman found himself unranked—a bitter outcome for an athlete who had hoped to stand on the podium. “It’s a huge disappointment because I didn’t come here for this; I wanted a medal, and the best one possible. I’m leaving these Games empty-handed,” Bourlon said afterward, reflecting on a day that fell far short of his ambitions.

Alex Adelaïde’s First Foray into Powerlifting Ends in Sixth Place

In contrast to Bourlon’s disappointment, Alex Adelaïde faced his first Para powerlifting competition with a mix of determination and realism. Having previously won a bronze medal in Para athletics at the Rio Games in the 4×400 meter relay, Adelaïde transitioned to Para powerlifting for the 2024 Games. Despite his experience as an elite athlete, the challenges of the new discipline were evident.

In the first session of the day, Adelaïde managed a solid opening lift of 160 kilograms, which placed him in sixth position. However, his attempt to push further on his second lift, set at 165 kilograms, was marred by a slight delay in execution. The judges did not validate the lift, leaving him with only one final opportunity to improve his standing.

Taking a calculated risk, Adelaïde aimed for 172 kilograms on his last attempt. A successful lift would have propelled him to the provisional podium. Unfortunately, the gamble did not pay off, and Adelaïde found himself stuck in sixth place as his competitors advanced. While the result may not have been what he hoped for, Adelaïde showed promise in his debut as a powerlifter and will undoubtedly be looking ahead to redemption at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev Claims Gold

While the French athletes struggled, Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev seized the opportunity to shine. The reigning Paralympic champion delivered a stellar performance, lifting 188 kilograms to secure the gold medal. Degtyarev’s consistency under pressure set him apart from his competitors, particularly Cuba’s Pablo Ramirez Barrientos, who finished with a lift of 185 kilograms to claim silver. China’s Jinglang Yang took bronze with a 179-kilogram lift.

Degtyarev’s victory was not without drama. After securing the gold, he attempted to break the world record with a lift of 184 kilograms. Although he fell short of the mark, his dominance in the competition was unquestionable, and he once again solidified his reputation as one of the world’s top Para powerlifters.

Women’s Competition: Paralympic and World Records Shattered

The women’s events on this day of competition were nothing short of spectacular, with multiple records falling. In the women’s under 41-kilogram category, Zhen Cui of China finally broke her Paralympic curse. After four consecutive silver medals from 2008 to 2021, the 37-year-old powerlifter clinched her first gold medal with a lift of 119 kilograms. Not only did she secure the Paralympic title, but she also set a new Paralympic record, though she fell short of breaking the world record, which remains at 123 kilograms.

Nigeria’s Esther Nworgu put up a strong fight, lifting 118 kilograms to take the silver medal, while Brazil’s Lara Aparecida de Lima claimed bronze with a lift of 109 kilograms. Zhen Cui’s victory marked a moment of redemption after years of near-misses, and her performance will be remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament.

In the women’s under 45-kilogram category, the competition witnessed a historic moment as Lingling Guo of China shattered both the Paralympic and world records with a lift of 123 kilograms. Guo, who had previously won gold in the under 41-kilogram category, showcased her incredible strength and skill by setting a new benchmark for her weight class. Behind her, Zoé Newson of Great Britain and Nazmiye Muratli of Turkey completed the podium, but it was Guo’s record-breaking performance that stole the spotlight.

Looking Ahead: Four More Days of Thrilling Competition

As the Para powerlifting competition continues, fans can look forward to more intense battles and potential record-breaking feats. With four days remaining until the conclusion of the event on September 8, the focus will shift to the heavyweight categories. The women’s over 86 kilograms and men’s over 107 kilograms events are expected to provide a dramatic climax to the competition.

The Arena Porte de La Chapelle will once again be filled with eager spectators, hoping to witness more history in the making. For the athletes, it will be an opportunity to showcase their incredible strength, determination, and resilience as they aim to leave their mark on the Paralympic Games.

A Day of Mixed Emotions in Para Powerlifting

The day’s events in Para powerlifting encapsulated the highs and lows of competitive sports. While French athletes Axel Bourlon and Alex Adelaïde experienced disappointment, other competitors like Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev and China’s Zhen Cui achieved glory. The women’s events were particularly noteworthy, with two Paralympic records and one world record falling. As the competition progresses, the stage is set for more unforgettable moments in the days to come.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/