Introduction: Paris 2024

Linlin improved her bench press from
121kg in February to 123kg at the Paris Games,

with Britain’s Zoe Newson finishing in second place, 14kg shy of her peak performance.
Chinese women dominated the first day of powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with Gu Lingling breaking the 45kg world record on Wednesday.
Linlin, 35, improved her bench press personal best from 121kg in February to 123kg at the Paris Games, and Britain’s Zoe Newson lost 14kg to finish second.

In front of a raucous but half-empty La Chapelle Arena, Linlin’s assist secured his country top of the medal table for the 2024 Paris Games.

Linlin said: “I am very excited and happy. The atmosphere in the stadium was also very exciting.”

“The Chinese government spends a lot of money on educating people. So China will always be at the top of the gold medal list,” he added.

Previously, the Paralympic Games record in the category up to 41 kg belonged to his compatriot Gui Che.

Read more | Paris 2024 Paralympics: India equal Tokyo for gold medal tally after Dharamphira F51 men’s club wins toss

Zhe, who turned 38 in December, eventually won a gold medal lifting nearly three times his weight (119 kg), after winning four silver medals at previous Games.

“I always believe in myself and I believe I can win gold,” Che said.

“The Chinese government spends a lot of money on educating people. So China will always be at the top of the gold medal list,” he added.

Previously, the Paralympic Games record in the category up to 41 kg belonged to his compatriot Gui Che.

Read more | Paris 2024 Paralympics: India equal Tokyo for gold medal tally after Dharamphira F51 men’s club wins toss

Zhe, who turned 38 in December, eventually won a gold medal lifting nearly three times his weight (119 kg), after winning four silver medals at previous Games.

“I always believe in myself and I believe I can win gold,” Che said.