Meet the Para Powerlifting Team Competing in Paris 2024

Olivia Broome has made waves in the world of para powerlifting, clinching a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020. Now at just 23 years old, she competes in the women’s up to 50kg category and heads to Paris riding high on the momentum of her world title victory last year. Broome exemplifies perseverance and talent, showcasing the incredible potential of young athletes in para sports.

In the women’s up to 45kg category, two-time Paralympic bronze medallist Zoe Newson continues to illuminate the sport. Making her Paralympic debut in London 2012, the 32-year-old has a remarkable array of medals, including multiple global accolades and a bronze from last year’s World Championships. Her triumph at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she stood atop the podium, has only fuelled her passion and commitment to her craft.

Stepping onto the global stage for the first time with ParalympicsGB are several promising newcomers, ready to make their mark. Among them is Charlotte McGuiness, competing in the women’s up to 55kg class. McGuiness made a stunning entrance into the international circuit by securing a silver medal at the 2021 World Junior Championships. Her journey epitomises the spirit of the next generation of para athletes.

Another athlete to keep an eye on is Mark Swan, who competes in the men’s up to 65kg class. The reigning European champion and Commonwealth silver medallist brings a wealth of experience and talent to the squad, and his achievements set a high bar for his competitors. Alongside him is Mattie Harding, the 2022 European champion, competing in the men’s up to 80kg category, whose prowess has earned him recognition on the continental stage.

One of the standout performances comes from Liam McGarry, who will be competing in the men’s over 107kg class. McGarry’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Despite facing serious health challenges post-2023 World Championships, he powered through to secure his place for Paris 2024 by bench pressing an impressive 232kg. His story echoes the resilience often spotlighted at the Paralympic Games, where athletes rise above adversity.

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McGarry expressed his emotions poignantly when he said, “Almost seven years to the day since my spinal cord injury, I have achieved what once seemed impossible. I qualified for the Paralympic Games in Paris. To be able to compete on the biggest stage in the world against the strongest men on the planet fills me with profound pride and accomplishment. My journey to the Games should show people that you are never out of the fight.” His words resonate powerfully, serving as a reminder of the transformative potential of sport.

As we look forward to the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding the UK’s para powerlifting squad. Each athlete carries the hopes and aspirations of not only their peers but the entire nation. The competition is set to be fierce, and the stakes could not be higher. The pressure of the podium looms large, yet these athletes embody determination and courage, showcasing the true spirit of the Paralympic movement.

In 2020, the Paralympic Games made history with incredible moments that have shaped how we view adaptive sports. The performances of athletes like Hannah Cockroft, who continues to break records, act as inspiration for all, pushing the narrative that disability should never define one’s limits. With each lift, each competition, and each medal, the Paralympic movement transforms lives and perceptions, driving society towards inclusivity and respect for all athletes.

The classification system in para powerlifting ensures that competitions are both fair and competitive. Athletes are classified based on their physical abilities, allowing them to compete on an even playing field. This careful consideration highlights the significance of adaptive sports, enabling athletes to showcase their strength and skill against the best in their categories. As the UK squad prepares for Paris, one cannot help but marvel at the dedication that goes into each athlete’s training, strategy, and performance analysis.

With each training session, the athletes refine their strength and technique, employing strategies that tailor to their unique capabilities. The drive to improve, to push boundaries, and to achieve personal bests is at the heart of every athlete’s experience. The camaraderie and mutual respect among competitors further enrich the environment, making the narrative of the Paralympic Games not just one of individual triumph but collective progress.

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As we cheer on these inspiring athletes in Paris, it cannot be overstated how much their journeys mean for the wider community. They are not just competitors; they are advocates for a world where possibilities are limitless, paving the way for future generations. Their stories will be woven into the fabric of Paralympic history, inspiring countless others to believe in their own potential.

So, as the countdown to Paris begins, the world watches, eager to witness the incredible feats that await. As these phenomenal athletes prepare, we will celebrate their journeys, their struggles, and, ultimately, their triumphs, already marking their names in the annals of sporting history.