Manashimaya
Day one of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games saw a dazzling display of power and determination, with China’s Guo Lingling taking centre stage at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena. Competing in the women’s up to 45kg Para powerlifting event, Lingling shattered the world record not once but twice, securing her first-ever Paralympic gold. It was a historic day that left the crowd in awe, as Lingling delivered a performance worthy of her champion status.
Lingling, already the world record holder in women’s up to 41kg and up to 45kg categories, had high expectations on her shoulders. And she did not disappoint. From the moment she took her place on the bench, it was clear that something extraordinary was about to happen. Her first lift of 113kg was enough to break the Paralympic record, but Lingling wasn’t done. She went on to lift 122kg, smashing the world record. And just to solidify her place in history, she lifted an astonishing 123kg in her final attempt, claiming the gold. It was truly a moment of glory for Lingling as Paris 2024: Lingling breaks records in stunning gold medal victory, etching her name in the annals of Paralympic history.
Great Britain’s Zoe Newson also had a fantastic performance, taking the silver with a lift of 109kg. This marks her second Paralympic medal, following her bronze from the Rio 2016 Games. Nazmiye Muratli, a former champion at Rio 2016 and London 2012, was thrilled to earn her first Paralympic medal in the women’s up to 45kg event. The competition was fierce, but all eyes were on Lingling as she delivered a stunning display of strength and skill.
Lingling’s elation was evident as she shared her excitement after the event. “The atmosphere of the audience is so great, and I feel very excited about setting a world record,” she said. Her humility and sportsmanship shone through when she added, “If someone would break my Paralympic and world record, it would be fine because it is good for the competition. That means we can make progress.” The Paris 2024: Lingling breaks records in stunning gold medal victory moment will undoubtedly inspire future athletes to reach new heights.
In the men’s up to 54kg event, Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev successfully defended his Paralympic title. With a 188kg lift, Degtyarev sealed the gold, just three kilograms ahead of Cuba’s Pablo Amirez Barrientos. Barrientos, who had previously earned silver at the Parapan American Games, secured his first Paralympic medal with a stellar performance at Paris 2024. Degtyarev’s joy was palpable as he credited his victory to his relentless preparation over the last three years. As Paris 2024: Lingling breaks records in stunning gold medal victory, it was a day of triumph for many.
China’s Yang Jinglang, who had already made his mark at previous international competitions, earned his first Paralympic medal with a bronze-winning lift of 179kg. The competition at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena continues to promise more thrilling moments as athletes take on the challenges ahead.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics have only just begun, and with records being broken and champions rising to the occasion, it is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Paris 2024: Lingling breaks records in stunning gold medal victory will go down in history as a defining moment of the Games, showcasing the true spirit of Paralympic competition.
