China women hercules win golds at Beijing Paralympics, break world record

Source: Xinhua | 09-13-2008 19:08

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China swept two of the three gold medals on offer on the fourth competition day of powerlifing at the Beijing Paralympic Games here on Saturday.

Veterans Bian Jianxin and Fu Taoying claimed the women's 60kg and 67.5kg category respectively, putting China's gold total to four.

Bian, 34, gold medallist of the women's 48kg category in 2004 Athens Paralympics, lifted 135kg to clinch the 60kg category gold and break the world record.

Amal Mahmoud Osman of Egypt took the silver in 117.5kg, while the bronze went to Pa Igbiti of Nigeria in 110kg.

Though she failed in her first attempt of 134kg, Bian succeeded in her second to break the world record. She then renewed her record to 135kg in her third lift. Bian tried 136kg in her fourth attempt, but failed.

"It was a mistake to choose such a heavy weight in the first attempt," she said. "I didn't feel good physically. Fortunately, I made it in the next try."

"I feel more excited this time, as a champion we should always challenge our limits and ourselves. Even though I lifted 4kg less than what I had expected, I won the gold anyway," she said.