Powerlifting Paralympics 2024: The Strongest Moments That Defined the Games
The Powerlifting Paralympics 2024 in Paris brought serious weight — literally and emotionally. From world records to first-time medalists, this was one of the most electric events of the Games.
These athletes didn’t just compete — they lifted through pressure, injury, and history to leave their mark. Whether it was a final-lift gold or a flag-raising comeback, the stage was packed with unforgettable performances.
Here are the 10 strongest moments that defined powerlifting at the 2024 Paralympics.
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1. Abdelkareem Khattab Breaks the World Record in Men’s 88kg
Jordan’s Abdelkareem Khattab came into Paris as the man to beat — and somehow, he still exceeded expectations. In the men’s 88kg final, he powered through with a jaw-dropping lift of 250kg, setting a new world record and securing back-to-back Paralympic golds.
Khattab didn’t just win — he dominated. His lift was 12kg ahead of the silver medalist and sent a message that he’s still in a league of his own.
Bold lift. Bigger legacy. This was one of the most emphatic statements of the Games.
2. Rehab Ahmed Wins Gold with a Clutch Final Lift in Women’s 50kg
Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed delivered one of the most dramatic moments in Paris. After trailing through the early rounds of the women’s 50kg, she needed a perfect lift on her final attempt — and nailed it with 120kg, claiming gold in a come-from-behind victory.
The celebration said it all: arms raised, tears flowing, and Egypt’s flag lifted high.
Clutch. Composed. Champion. This was pressure-lifting at its finest.
3. Bonnie Bunyau Gustin Repeats as Paralympic Champion
Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin came into the men’s 72kg as the defending gold medalist — and left as a two-time champion. With a confident lift of 225kg, he held off a tough field to stand atop the podium once again.
No theatrics. No drama. Just pure consistency and dominance.
At only 25, Gustin is already one of the most decorated powerlifters in Paralympic history — and Paris just added another chapter.
Back-to-back golds. Big lift. Bigger legacy.
4. Deng Xuemei Dominates the Women’s 86kg Field
China’s Deng Xuemei didn’t just win the women’s 86kg — she controlled it from start to finish. Her best lift of 147kg wasn’t just enough for gold — it was 7kg ahead of silver and one of the cleanest lifts of the competition.
She barely showed emotion, but her performance said it all: focused, efficient, unstoppable.
With back-to-back Paralympic titles now under her belt, Deng has cemented herself as the queen of consistency in her division.
Gold wasn’t in question — it was inevitable.
5. Latifat Tijani Lifts Through Emotion for Silver in Women’s 45kg
Nigeria’s Latifat Tijani came into the women’s 45kg event as a former Paralympic champion, but this time, the gold slipped just out of reach. Still, her lift of 107kg earned her a hard-fought silver — and her reaction became one of the most emotional moments of the Games.
She broke down in tears on the platform, hugged her coaches, and waved to the crowd through sobs. It wasn’t gold — but it meant everything.
Powerlifting is more than medals. This moment proved it.
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6. Roohallah Rostami Makes a Stunning Comeback for Bronze
Iran’s Roohallah Rostami wasn’t even expected to medal in the men’s 80kg after struggling with injuries for nearly two years. But in Paris, the veteran lifter silenced every doubt with a gritty 223kg lift that locked up the bronze.
It wasn’t just the weight — it was the story behind it.
Rostami had missed the podium in Tokyo and nearly retired in 2023. But with that one lift, he was back on the global stage — and the celebration was pure fire.
Comeback. Confidence. Closure. Rostami’s bronze felt golden.
7. Uzbekistan Wins Its First-Ever Powerlifting Medal
For the first time in Paralympic history, Uzbekistan stood on the powerlifting podium — and the country made it count.
Fazlitdin Khudoynazarov, competing in the men’s 97kg, lifted 230kg to secure a dramatic silver, sparking wild celebration from the Uzbek delegation. The flag went up, the arena roared, and a new powerlifting nation was officially on the map.
This wasn’t just a medal — it was a milestone.
History made. Legacy started. Uzbekistan won’t be flying under the radar anymore.
8. Egypt Tops the Powerlifting Medal Table
Egypt walked into Paris with a squad. They walked out with more medals than any other country in powerlifting — a total of 7 medals, including 3 golds.
Standouts like Rehab Ahmed, Sherif Osman, and Mahmoud Attia all delivered under pressure, and the Egyptian flag was a constant presence on the podium.
Their dominance wasn’t just about strength — it was about depth, experience, and national pride.
From lightweight to heavyweight, Egypt owned the platform. This was a powerlifting clinic.
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9. Mohamed Elmenyawy Wins Egypt’s First Gold in 59 kg
In a breakthrough for Egypt, Mohamed Elmenyawy not only competed — he topped the podium in the men’s 59 kg, lifting an impressive 201 kg for gold. It marked Egypt’s first all-around gold in that class — a major milestone for their program .
He edged out China’s Qi Yongkai by just 1 kg, delivering a tight, pressure-laden showdown — and emerging triumphant. The lift wasn’t just heavy on the bar — it was heavy on meaning.
Debut. Determination. Dominance. Elmenyawy stamped his name on the sport — and announced Egypt’s arrival on the global stage.
10. Le Van Cong Lifts Through Injury to Medal Again
Vietnam’s Le Van Cong has been a fixture on the powerlifting stage for years — and in Paris, he proved why he’s still one of the toughest lifters in the sport.
Competing in the men’s 49kg category, Cong battled through a shoulder injury and still managed to lift 173kg, earning a hard-fought bronze. It wasn’t his best total — but it was one of his grittiest performances ever.
After the lift, he broke into tears and raised his arms to the crowd — a moment that reminded fans what Paralympic strength really looks like.
Pain didn’t stop him. Pressure didn’t faze him. Le Van Cong showed the heart of a champion, medal or not.
Powerlifting at the Paralympics isn’t just about brute strength — it’s about smart, calculated moves that set these athletes apart. If you want to see athletes who bring brains as well as brawn, check out our Top 5 Smartest Athletes list.
