Powerlifting
Broome Secures Bronze in Powerlifting as Jawad Triumphs Over Crohn’s
“I’m very proud to have made it here because I was never supposed to make it,” said Paralympic weightlifter BLAKE JAWAD, whose journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. Rising above the challenges of Crohn’s disease, Jawad’s story is one of resilience, tenacity, and triumph, inspiring countless others in the world of adaptive sports.
Jawad’s remarkable feat of securing his qualification at the Tbilisi World Cup in May saw him lift a significant 170kg — his strongest performance since setting a then-world record of 190kg during the Rio 2016 Games. This achievement not only underlined his dedication but also showcased his capability to push beyond the limits of physical adversity. As the weightlifter himself stated, “I said all along my medal was to get here and I’ve done that. I don’t have to have a medal around my neck to represent the journey that I’ve been through.”
From the Depths of Challenge to the Heights of Glory
Jawad’s path has not been easy. His battle with Crohn’s disease—a chronic inflammatory bowel condition—has been likened to climbing a mountain with no summit in sight. Yet, through sheer determination and hard work, he has scaled those heights and managed to thrive in a sport that demands both physical and mental fortitude. “I’ve managed to take Crohn’s to the very limits of what anyone’s been able to take it before and managed to survive, and I’m here,” he reflected with evident pride.
Just as the Paralympic spirit embodies the essence of overcoming odds, Jawad’s journey is a testament to the profound strength found in vulnerability. The resilience of athletes like Jawad echoes throughout the sporting community, serving as a beacon of hope for young people facing their own battles. Each lift is a declaration, each competition a reaffirmation of their potential. But Jawad wasn’t the only UK athlete making headlines at the Tbilisi World Cup.
A Rising Star: Chloe Broome Shines
In a remarkable showcase of talent, fellow competitor CHLOE BROOME not only lifted the spirits of Team GB but secured a brilliant bronze medal in the -50kg weight division. Broome’s journey mirrored that of her compatriot; she, too, has faced her own set of challenges. With a personal best lift of 107kg achieved when it mattered most, Broome demonstrated that determination can lead to spectacular heights — much like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Her initial lift of 106kg was equal to her lifetime high, but the real drama unfolded as Broome watched her competitor, Ukraine’s Lidiia Soloviova, fail to lift 108kg, securing her place on the medal rostrum. Moments like these remind us of the nail-biting tension that characterises Paralympic competitions. Every lift is imbued with both personal stakes and national pride, embodying the raw essence of competitive spirit.
The Power of Community and Support
In the true spirit of camaraderie that defines the Paralympic Games, Jawad chose to stay at the venue to support Broome, highlighting the importance of unity within the team. In many ways, his actions reflect the ethos of the Games—the idea that success is not solely measured by medals, but also by the relationships built and the morale uplifted in moments of shared victories and struggles.
This sense of community not only aids athletes in their performances but resonates with audiences, creating a powerful narrative that transcends the sport itself. As spectators and fans, we are drawn into these narratives, celebrating the underdog and rooting for all who defy expectations. Jawad and Broome’s stories are simply threads in the larger tapestry of Paralympic history—an ever-evolving saga of human strength, vulnerability, and resilience.
As we look to the upcoming competitions, the performances of athletes like Jawad and Broome serve as an inspiring reminder of what is possible. They embody the very spirit of the Games: the willingness to challenge norms, pursue dreams against all odds, and demonstrate the vast potential of the human spirit. Will we witness more records broken, more personal bests achieved, and perhaps more stories of redemption and triumph? Only time will tell.
In celebrating these athletes, we also celebrate the relentless strides being made in adaptive sports. With every competition, barriers are being dismantled, perceptions are changing, and dreams are being realised. Jawad and Broome are not just participants; they are pioneers in a movement that seeks to redefine what it means to be an athlete. Their journeys remind us that in the face of adversity, courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to rise above it. And that, in itself, is the essence of the Paralympics.