Paralympics 2024: Google Doodle Celebrates Powerlifting

On September 5, 2024, a fun animated doodle appeared on Google’s homepage to celebrate the Paralympic weightlifting competition. The doodle depicts a large blue bird holding a baguette like a weightlifter’s barbell, with a small brown bird pecking at a piece of bread. Various types of bread were drawn on the background, which also made the application of this sport fun and creative.

On the Google Doodle page, there is a message: “The wait is over, the weightlifting has begun. Get ready for the Para Weightlifting competition today at the Aréna Porte de La Chappelle!”

History of Paralympic Weightlifting

  • Para weightlifting made its debut at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
  • It was first listed as an official Paralympic sport in 1984.
  • Women’s weightlifting competition was introduced for the first time at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games

Competition Details

The competition will be held at the Arena de la Chapelle in Paris from September 4 to 8. Athletes will compete in different weight classes 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 diseases, paraplegia and quadriplegia.

First day of highlights

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

Other achievements

Para weightlifting has produced many outstanding athletes, such as Siamand Rahman from Iran, who holds the world record in the men’s over 107 kg category with 310 kg. On the women’s side, Amalia Perez from Mexico has achieved great success, winning multiple Paralympic gold medals.

Google’s creative doodle not only celebrates weightlifting, but also highlights the spirit and strength of Paralympic athletes. It perfectly fits the spirit of the Paralympic Games, showing both the intensity of the sport and its inclusiveness.

“Para Weightlifting has grown from its small beginnings with limited participation and gender representation to a vibrant and inclusive sport that showcases the incredible strength and determination of athletes with disabilities. The continued development of competition structures and growing global participation underscores the sport’s growth and importance within the Paralympic Movement.”

Google’s Doodle celebrates the perseverance, creativity and strength of athletes, highlighting the inclusivity and growth of Paralympic weightlifting. From humble beginnings in 1964 to the vibrant and competitive sport it is today, Paralympic weightlifting showcases the extraordinary achievements of athletes and strengthens the spirit of the Paralympic Movement on the global stage.

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