Othman breaks second world record at powerlifting World Cup

The 33-year-old moved up to the weight category in 2015 after winning World Championships gold in the men’s up to 54kg at the same venue, the Dubai Club for the Disabled, in 2014.

Egypt’s double Paralympic champion Sherif Othman grabbed his second world record in the men’s up to 59kg at the IPC Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday (16 February).

The 33-year-old moved up to the weight category in 2015 after winning World Championships gold in the men’s up to 54kg at the same venue, the Dubai Club for the Disabled, in 2014.

Othman then set a new best of 210kg on his debut in the higher category, once again in Dubai.

On Tuesday he added 0.5kg on his way to gold, strengthening his bid for a third Paralympic title in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this September with a 210.5kg haul.

Jordan’s Mohammad Tarbash (171kg) took second, leading Thailand’s Narong Kasanun (170kg) into third.

Egypt’s Shaaban Ibrahim sealed victory in the men’s up to 65kg with 194kg. Algeria’s Hocine Bettir equalled Ibrahim’s lift but settled for second place because of his heavier bodyweight.

Iran’s Hamzeh Mohammad was just behind in third with 193kg.

Othman’s teammate Rehab Ahmed claimed Egypt’s second gold of the day in the women’s up to 50kg.

Ahmed increased her chances of competing at Rio 2016, propelling herself to fourth in the current Paralympic rankings with a 107kg winning lift.

Ukraine’s European champion Lidiia Soloviova claimed silver with 105kg. Uzbekistan’s Ruza Kuzieva (95kg) completed the top three.

Upcoming Ukrainian Mariana Shevchuk, the junior European champion, won the women’s up to 55kg with a 109kg push.

The 19-year-old was not satisfied with a new personal best, trying twice for 112kg. Despite failing Shevchuk remains at No.5 in the Paralympic rankings, with the top six gaining a qualification spot for their country at Rio 2016.

Vietnam’s Hoang Tuyet Loan Chau (102kg) claimed second, ahead of Egypt’s Gihan Bayoumy (99kg) in third.

Full results are available at IPC Powerlifting's website..

Competition continues in Dubai with the men’s up to 72kg and up to 80kg, and women’s up to 61kg and up to 67kg on Wednesday (17 February).

All the action, including live results, is being shown at IPC Powerlifting's website.

The 2015 IPC Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai is the penultimate opportunity for athletes to improve their place in the Paralympic rankings for Rio 2016. The final chance will be at another World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between 24-28 February.