Paris
\nOn the final day of the Paris Paralympics, nine women took to the bench at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena for the women\u2019s 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\u2019s one thing the Para powerlifting team knows how to create, it\u2019s 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.
\nThe 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.
\nBut China\u2019s Deng Xuemi used this atmosphere to her advantage.
\n\u201cI 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,\u201d she said.
\nThe silver medal winner was surprised with her success today in completing her heaviest lift of 155kg.
\n\u201cThis medal was a surprise to me I really wasn\u2019t 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.\u201d said Deng.
\nAs 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.
\nGold medal winner Nigeria\u2019s Oluwafemiayo Folashade visibly prayed before each lift, exercising her \u201cspiritual strength.\u201d
\n\u201cI 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.\u201d said Oluwafemiayo.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Paris On the final day of the Paris Paralympics, nine women took to the bench at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena for the women\u2019s 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\u2019s one thing the Para […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-430106","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n