Amid rapturous and enthusiastic support from their respective fans, Paralympic powerlifters battled it out for medals in a day of competition that saw both world and Paralympic records set and subsequently smashed at the BUAA Gymnasium on Wednesday, September 10.
In the Women's 48 kilogram category, Nigeria's Lucy Ogechukwu Ejike did what she's best at, setting a new world and Paralympic record before smashing it just minutes later.
Ejike, who also holds the world record of 127.5kg in the Women's 44kg category, lifted 125kg to break the record of 118kg in the 48kg category set by China's Bian Jianxin in Athens.
In her second attempt, Ejike lifted 130kg to break her own record and further raised the bar for the competition. She was unable to maintain the momentum, however, and failed in her third attempt to set a further record of a massive 137.5kg.
"Before I came here I planned to break the world record," said Ejike after the medal ceremony. "In Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, I was competing in the 44kg category and I broke the world record three times. This time I moved to the 48kg category, as I did in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, I set a world record, broke it, set it again and broke it again."
Olesva Lafina of Russia and Souhad Ghazouani of France took the silver and bronze medal respectively.
The records continued to fall in the Women's 52kg category. Mexico's Amalia Perez lifted 128kg to win the Gold medal and set a new Paralympic record, effortlessly smashed the 127.5kg-record set by Russia's Tamara Podpalnaya at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games.
"It is a pity for not breaking the world record," she said. "I have prepared for the Games for four years. I saw so many Mexican flags in the crowds. I was moved by this. It is also one of the reasons why I'd like to participate in the next Paralympic Games in London. I think I am capable of it."
Podpalnaya lifted a clean 117.5kg and 125kg, but failed to match Perez, making a no-lift at 127.5kg, and won the silver medal. Thailand's Samkhoun Anon placed third.
In the Women's 56kg category and lifting without straps, Egypt's Fatma Omar Omar won the gold medal and set a Paralympic record lifting 135kg, breaking her own record of 130kg set at the Athens Paralympic Games.
In the post-match she couldn't hide his excitement on setting a new record. "Thanks to Allah! It was very difficult. Luckily I made it."
Also strapless, Irina Kazantseva of Russia won the silver medal, with a lift of 90kg and a very good lift of 95kg, giving her second place, which she held onto with a solid 97.5kg-lift in her third attempt. The bronze medal went to Siow Lee Chan of Malaysia.
In the Men's 52kg category, local hero Wu Guojing assured China's place at the top of the gold medal table once again by winning the final with a convincing 175kg lift in his second attempt, but failing to lift 180kg in his third.
"I am very excited because in the Athens Paralympic Games I just got the silver medal, but this time my dream has come true," said Wu after the final. "I want to thank the spectators, their applause gave me power. I want to thank my coach for focusing on my training because I have been lifting for many years and I don't recover as quickly from a lift as the other athletes. I also want to thank the government for supporting the Powerlifting team. So my gold medal belongs to many people, not just myself."
Announcing his retirement from competition after winning the silver medal, the 39-year-old Osama Elserngawy of Egypt rallied to lift 167.5kg, receiving a rapturous reception from the crowd, which included his compatriot Omar.
Thailand's Narong Kasanun claimed the bronze medal.
(BOCOG September 10, 2008)