2024 Paralympic Games: Google Doodle Celebrates Powerlifting

The Paralympic powerlifting event was celebrated with a playful cartoon on the Google homepage on September 5, 2024. The cartoon depicts a large blue bird holding a baguette like a weightlifting bar with a brown bird on top pecking at a piece of bread. The background bears a variety of bread, which also makes the sport’s application playful and creative.

On the Google Doodle page, there is the following message: “The wait is over, the weights are in. Get ready for today’s Para Powerlifting event at the Porte de La Chappelle Arena!”

History of Paralympic Weightlifting

• Para-powerlifting made its debut at the Tokyo Games in 1964
• It was first included as an official Paralympic sport in 1984
• Women’s powerlifting competition was introduced at the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000

Competition details

The event takes place from September 4 to 8 at the Arena Porte de La Chapelle in Paris. Athletes compete in different weight categories, such as 49 kg, 54 kg and 59 kg for men, and 41 kg, 45 kg and 50 kg for women. Eligible disabilities include cerebral palsy, orthopedic disabilities, neurological disorders, paraplegia and tetraplegia.

Outstanding performances on the first day

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

Other achievements

Para-weightlifting has produced some remarkable athletes, such as Iran’s Siamand Rahman, who holds the world record in the men’s over 107kg category with a lift of 310kg. On the women’s side, Mexico’s Amalia Perez has enjoyed considerable success, winning multiple Paralympic gold medals.

Google’s creative doodle not only celebrates the powerlifting event, but also showcases the spirit and strength of the athletes competing at the Paralympic Games. It fits perfectly with the Paralympic spirit, showcasing both the intensity of the sport and its inclusive nature.

From a small start with limited participation and gender representation, Para Powerlifting has grown into a vibrant and inclusive sport that showcases the incredible strength and determination of athletes with a disability. The continued development of competition structures and increasing global participation underscore the growth and importance of the sport within the Paralympic Movement.

The Google Doodle celebrates the perseverance, creativity and strength of athletes, highlighting the inclusiveness and growth of Paralympic powerlifting. From its humble beginnings in 1964 to the dynamic and competitive sport of today, Paralympic powerlifting showcases the remarkable achievements of athletes, reinforcing the spirit of the Paralympic Games on the world stage.

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