Strongest Americas lifters at Mexico 2015

The grit and determination of one of the host’s most famous names is clear for everyone to see, and in 2015 Perez is hoping for a return to the form that saw her win gold at London 2012.

The 2015 IPC Powerlifting Americas Open Championships from 26-29 April is set to be one of the most important competitions on the calendar this year, acting as a qualifier for both the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games and Rio 2016.

120 lifters from 25 countries, including from outside the region, will line-up for the first ever Americas Open looking to make a name for themselves during one the most significant periods in Americas para-sport history.

Amalia Perez, Mexico, women’s up to 61kg

The grit and determination of one of the host’s most famous names is clear for everyone to see, and in 2015 Perez is hoping for a return to the form that saw her win gold at London 2012.

Last year, Perez was recovering from a serious shoulder injury but still managed to win gold at the World Championships in Dubai, UAE, with a 128kg push following Egyptian Fatma Omar’s disqualification for an anti-doping violation.

The lift also sealed the Mexican the Americas record, but her career best is 135.50kg from her gold medal performance at London 2012 before the weight categories were modified.

Juan Carlos Garrido, Chile, men’s up to 59kg

Americas record holder Garrido has been a consistent first-place finisher from competitions in the region in the last two years.

His performance has improved since he returned to the sport for the Guadalajara 2011 Parapans, where he won bronze. Prior to 2007, when Garrido retired, his best international finish was a sixth place at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games in the men’s up to 48kg.

He since improved to fifth at the World Championships last year with a 172.0kg lift, his highest career placing at a Worlds after progressing to the heavier weight category.

His record stands at 177.0kg, but Garrido has lifted 180.0kg at non-IPC Powerlifting recognised competitions.

Perla Barcenas, Mexico, women’s up to 79kg

The current women’s over 86kg Americas record holder, Barcenas shed the pounds after having surgery on both of her shoulders in 2013.

However, the double Paralympic medallist is yet to register a result in her new category and Brazil’s 2014 Worlds bronze medallist Marcia Menezes will have her own ideas about who will finish on top of the podium in Mexico City.

Mexico City 2015 will be the first major competition of 2015 and begins a trio of regional Championships which also includes Europe, in Eger, Hungary, and Asia in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Toronto 2015 will take place between 7-15 August and will feature around 1,600 athletes from 28 countries competing in 15 sports. Tickets are on sale now.