Google Doodle celebrates Paralympic powerlifting as China tops event

China's Guo Lingling sets new world record in the women’s category up to 45 kilograms

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China's powerlifting team made a commanding start at the Paris Paralympics, with Guo Lingling setting a new world record in the women’s category up to 45 kilorgams.

Guo, 35, improved her bench press record from 121kg to 123kg, outperforming Britain’s Zoe Newson, who finished 14kg behind.

Guo’s performance was a key contributor to China’s continued lead in the overall medal standings at Paris 2024.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd at La Chapelle Arena, Lingling expressed her joy, attributing her success to China’s extensive support for its athletes.

"The Chinese government spends a lot of money training people," she said.

"So China will always be first on the gold medal tally."

Earlier in the day, fellow Chinese lifter Cui Zhe secured a Paralympic record in the up to 41kg class, lifting 119kg—nearly three times her weight—after four previous silver medals.

"I've always had faith in myself and believed I could get the gold," said Zhe.

Paralympic.org

In the men’s powerlifting events, Jordan’s Omar Qarada defended his up to 49kg title with a lift of 181kg, while Kazakhstan’s David Degtyarev retained his up to 54kg crown, holding off Cuba’s Pablo Ramirez.

Google Doodle Celebrates Paralympic Powerlifting

In support of the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris, Google paid tribute to the powerlifting event with a creative doodle on September 5.

The doodle featured an animated bird lifting a baguette like a barbell, with a smaller bird enjoying the bread from the top—a lighthearted celebration of strength.

The doodle accompanied the powerlifting competitions at the Aréna Porte de La Chapelle, which will continue until September 8.

According to the official Paralympic website, the event tests upper body strength and is open to athletes with impairments in their lower limbs or hips.

This doodle is part of a series from Google, which earlier celebrated the wheelchair tennis event with similar animated artwork.

History of Paralympic Powerlifting and Key Results

The Paralympic powerlifting competition has a rich history, debuting in 1964, with women’s categories added in 2000.

On the first day of the Paris 2024 event, Guo Lingling dominated the women’s 45kg category, while Omar Qarada took the men’s 49kg title.

China's Guo, Britain’s Newson, and Turkey’s Nazmiye Muratlı claimed the podium in the women’s event.

On the men’s side, Qarada was joined by Turkey’s Ali Kayapınar, who won silver, and Vietnam’s Le Van Cong, who took bronze.