Fatma Omar sets new Paralympic and world records

“I am so happy and thrilled to win the gold medal. I am glad I lifted Egypt's name high today.”

On Day 4 (2 September) at the ExCeL, powerlifters delivered a master class of raw strength and exact technique to entertain the crowds, with world and Paralympic records falling once more.

Women’s 56kg

Fatma Omar took gold in a breathtaking opening event, setting new world and Paralympic records in the process. It was her fourth consecutive gold medal at the Paralympic Games.

The Egyptian was successful in her first two attempts before lifting 142kg to beat her own previous world and Paralympic records in her third. She opted to take a fourth lift outside of the competition and comfortably managed to lift 143kg, the new world and Paralympic record.

Lucy Ejike took silver, narrowly missing out on the gold. The Nigerian attempted what would have been a world and Paralympic record in the second round with a lift of 142kg, but the lift was judged unsuccessful.

Going into the third round, she was forced to up the weight to 142.5kg in order to try and win the gold medal but once again failed to complete the lift. She finished with a best lift of 135kg.

The crowds were completely absorbed by what was a sensational battle between two giants of the sport. Afterwards, a delighted Omar took the time to dedicate her medal to her home country.

“I am so happy and thrilled to win the gold medal. I am glad I lifted Egypt's name high today,” she said.

The bronze medal was won by Turkey’s Ozlem Becerikli, who finished with a best lift of 118kg.

Men’s 67.50kg

Liu Lei won China’s second powerlifting gold medal of the Games in a demonstration of excellence, setting new world and Paralympic records on the way.

His first lift of 218kg, a Paralympic record, was enough to ensure that he finished atop the podium, his second Paralympic gold after winning the men’s 75kg category in Beijing in 2008.

On his second and third, he failed to lift a new world and Paralympic record of 225.5kg. However, he opted to take a fourth lift out of competition with a weight of 226kg and produced a majestic lift to set the new world and Paralympic record.

“I felt that my technique was not quite right, which is why I failed with my second and third lifts,” explained Liu.

He continued: “I felt great warmth from the crowd here in London. It really helped my performance and I want to thank them for their support."

Silver went to Roohallah Rostami of Iran. The 23-year-old finished with a best lift of 208kg after failing to lift what would have been a Paralympic record of 219kg in the third round.

Egypt’s Shaaban Ibrahim won the bronze medal after lifting 202kg. On his final lift he attempted to secure the silver medal with a lift of 209kg but failed valiantly.

Women’s 60kg

Amalia Perez stormed to victory winning gold in the day’s final event.

Successful in her first two lifts, the Mexican raised the bar at 135.5kg for a new Paralympic record in her third.

She opted to take a fourth lift of 136.5kg, but was unable to set a new world and Paralympic record.

Yang Yan of China won the silver medal, finishing with a best lift of 125kg. Unable to challenge Perez for the top spot, the Chinese athlete was good value for the silver.

The bronze medal was won by Amal Mahmoud. The Egyptian lifted 118kg in her first round, before failing to lift 124kg under pressure to win the silver in the third round.