Paris 2024 Paralympics | Para powerlifting: Strength comes in all forms at the women's over 86kg final 

On the final day of the Paris Paralympics, nine women took to the bench at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena for the women's Para powerlifting final in the over 86kg category.

With the bar raised and the barbells loaded, the competition kicked off shortly after 2 PM. If there's one thing the Para powerlifting team knows how to create, it's an atmosphere of sheer intensity. Droning music pulsed through the amplifiers, evoking the tension of a blockbuster movie. Chalk dust lingered on the black leather bench, soon to become the throne for the next Para powerlifting champion.

The arena, with its unique valley-like layout, heightened the drama, making every lifter feel the eyes of the entire audience on them. So, as they waited in their holding areas, the powerlifters were fully aware of what was at stake.

But China’s Deng Xuemi used this atmosphere to her advantage.

“I really like this arena and I like how many people are here to watch us. It can make you nervous but it encourages me to keep going and keep lifting,” she said.

The silver medal winner was surprised with her success today in completing her heaviest lift of 155kg.

“This medal was a surprise to me I really wasn’t expecting it. I have put three years into my training and I am just so happy to be here today and to leave with this medal.” said Deng.

As in the name, these women know they have to be physically strong to even attempt these lifts. And while that is a key component in succeeding in their sport, strength comes in many forms.

Gold medal winner Nigeria’s Oluwafemiayo Folashade visibly prayed before each lift, exercising her “spiritual strength.”

“I was praying to my god. Before my first lift (which was 157kg) I was nervous and feeling the pressure of the crowd and my own pressure from myself. But I asked my god to help me do this.” said Oluwafemiayo.

All forms of strength were with Oluwafemiayo today as she took to the floor for a world record attempt of 166kg.

With all eyes and ears on her, she was comfortable. “I like that people are here to watch me and watch my sport.”

The powerlifter strapped up her wrists before taking the bench and a fully loaded barbell.

‘*Beep* one minute’ an automated voice announced. Oluwafemiayo repeated something under her breath before stopping her body under the bar. With a clean lift, she just made a new world record.

“I was asking for help from myself and my god. Sometimes you need that extra strength. I asked every time I lifted that my god would help me and he did.”

But this was not good enough for the gold medalist.

In accordance with Paralympic rules; athletes have 60 seconds to decide if they want to break their record.

To extend her own world record she made just moments before, Folashade forfeited her best bench of 166kgs to attempt a 167kg powerlift, which she succeeded.

“I just wanted to test my ability.” she said with a cheerful giggle. The barbell queen was happy with this weight and said a 168kg attempt may come soon, just not today.