The Paralympic powerlifting event was celebrated with a playful animated doodle on Google’s homepage on September 5, 2024. The doodle shows a large blue bird holding a baguette like a weightlifter’s barbell with a brown bird perched on top pecking at a piece of bread. The background features a variety of breads, which also enlivens the sport’s application as playful and creative.

The Google Doodle page reads: ‘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 1964 Tokyo Olympics
• It was first included as an official Paralympic sport in 1984
• The women’s powerlifting competition was introduced in 2000 at the Sydney Paralympic Games

Competition details

The event will take place from 4 to 8 September at the Aréna Porte de La Chapelle in Paris. Athletes will compete in various weight categories, including 49 kg, 54 kg and 59 kg for men and 41 kg, 45 kg and 50 kg for women. Eligible conditions include cerebral palsy, orthopedic disabilities, neurological disorders, paraplegia and tetraplegia.

Notable performances on day 1

• In the women’s 45kg category, LL Guo of China won gold, while Z. Newson of Great Britain and N. Muratli of Turkey won silver and bronze respectively.
• In the men’s 49 kg category, O. Qarada from Jordan won gold, followed by A. Kayapinar from Turkey in second place and VC Lê from Vietnam in third place.

Other achievements

Para powerlifting has produced notable athletes such as Siamand Rahman of Iran, who holds the world record in the men’s 107 kg+ category with a lift of 310 kg. Among women, Amalia Perez of Mexico has achieved considerable success, winning multiple gold medals at the Paralympic Games.

Google’s creative doodle not only celebrates the powerlifting event, but also highlights the spirit and strength of the athletes who compete in the Paralympic Games. It fits perfectly with the Paralympic ethos, showing both the intensity and inclusive nature of the sport.

From small beginnings with limited participation and gender representation, para powerlifting has grown into a dynamic and inclusive sport that showcases the incredible strength and determination of athletes with disabilities. The continued development of competition structures and increasing global participation underscores the growth and significance of the sport within the Paralympic Movement.

Google’s doodle celebrates the perseverance, creativity and strength of the athletes, and highlights the inclusivity and growth of Paralympic powerlifting. From its humble beginnings in 1964 to the dynamic and competitive sport of today, para powerlifting showcases the remarkable achievements of athletes, and amplifies the spirit of the Paralympic Games on a global stage.

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