The Paralympic powerlifting event was celebrated by a playful animated doodle on Google’s homepage on the 5th of September, 2024. The doodle depicts a large blue bird holding a baguette like a weight lifter’s barbell with a brown bird on top pecking on a piece of bread. The background carries a variety of bread, which also enlivens` the application of the sport as playful and creative.
On the page of Google Doodle, there is the message: ‘The wait is over, the weights are on. Get ready for today’s Para Powerlifting event at Aréna Porte de La Chappelle!’
History of Paralympic Powerlifting
- Para powerlifting made its debut at the Tokyo 1964 Games
- It was first included as an official Paralympic sport in 1984
- Women's powerlifting competition was introduced at the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000
Competition Details
The event runs from September 4 to September 8 at the Aréna Porte de La Chapelle in Paris. Athletes compete in different weight categories, such as 49 kg, 54 kg, and 59 kg for men, and 41 kg, 45 kg, and 50 kg for women. Eligible impairments include cerebral palsy, orthopedic disabilities, neurological conditions, paraplegia, and tetraplegia.
Paris Paralympics 2024: List of Notable Players in Powerlifting
| Athlete Name | Country |
| Mariana D’Andrea | Brazil |
| David Degtyarev | Kazakhstan |
| Sherif Osman | Egypt |
| Mark Swan | Great Britain |
| Bonnie Bunyau Gustin | Malaysia |
| Abdelkareem Mohmmad Khattab | Jordan |
| Lingling Guo | China |
| Amalia Perez | Mexico |
| Souhad Ghazouani | France |
| Folashade Oluwafemiayo | Nigeria |
Notable Performances on Day 1
- In the women's 45 kg category, L.L. Guo from China won gold, with Z. Newson of Great Britain and N. Muratli of Turkey taking silver and bronze, respectively
- In the men's 49 kg category, Jordan's O. Qarada won gold, followed by Turkey's A. Kayapinar in second place and Vietnam's V.C. Lê in third.
Other Achievements
Para powerlifting has produced remarkable athletes, such as Siamand Rahman from Iran, who holds the world record in the men's over 107 kg category with a lift of 310 kg. On the women's side, Amalia Perez from Mexico has achieved significant success, winning multiple Paralympic gold medals
Google's creative doodle not only celebrates the powerlifting event but also highlights the spirit and strength of the athletes participating in the Paralympic Games. It aligns perfectly with the Paralympic ethos, showcasing both the sport's intensity and its inclusive nature.
From starting on a small scale with limited participation and gender representation, para powerlifting has evolved into a dynamic and inclusive sport that showcases the incredible strength and determination of athletes with disabilities. The ongoing development of competition structures and the increasing global participation highlight the sport's growth and significance within the Paralympic movement.
Google's doodle honours the athletes' perseverance, creativity, and strength, emphasizing Paralympic powerlifting's inclusivity and growth. From humble beginnings in 1964 to today's dynamic and competitive sport, para powerlifting showcases the remarkable achievements of athletes, reinforcing the spirit of the Paralympic Games on a global stage.
Also Read | Paralympics 2024: List of All Indian Athletes with Sports Names at the Paris Olympic Games
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