China shine in Paralympic powerlifting as Lingling betters own World Record

China's women dominated the first day of powerlifting at the Paris Paralympics as Guo Lingling improved her world record in the up to 45kg class on Wednesday.

Lingling, 35, took her best on the bench press from 121kg in February to 123kg in Paris with Britain's Zoe Newson in second place, 14kg lighter with her leading effort.

Lingling's contributions in front of a vocal but half-empty La Chapelle Arena kept her country atop the overall medal table at Paris 2024.

"I am very excited and happy, and the atmosphere at the stadium was also very inspiring to me," Lingling said.
"The Chinese government spends a lot of money training people.

"So China will always be first on the gold medal tally," she added.

Earlier, compatriot Cui Zhe had secured a Paralympic record in the up to 41kg category.

(AFP)