Records that could be broken at Rio 2016

Just under six months away from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the world’s strongest para-powerlifters are turning their attentions towards the biggest competition on the calendar.

The first months of 2016 saw three IPC Powerlifting World Cups, which provided yet more broken records in one of the fastest growing sports. Ahead of Rio 2016, we take a look at some of the records which could be broken in September.

Men’s over 107kg

Seasoned fans of para-powerlifting will be familiar with Iran’s Siamand Rahman, dubbed the world’s strongest Paralympian. Every time the 26 year-old has touched a bar in the last five years he has broken a world record.

No one has really come close to Rahman, as he continued breaking his own best into 2016. The latest mark stands at 296kg, set in February which was his ninth world record. Rumour has it that he has a lot left to give and that he is saving a 300kg haul for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Women’s up to 67kg

China’s world champion Yujiao Tan had a great year in 2015, first equalling her own world record to take gold at the Asian Open and then adding 1kg onto it at the European Open with a 138kg haul.

With Tan looking to improve on her silver medal from London 2012, the China woman has made it clear that she is out to win in style in Brazil.

Men’s up to 59kg

Egypt’s Sherif Othman is currently the proud holder of two world records in two weight categories; the men’s up to 54kg and up to 59kg. After winning gold in the lighter weight category at the 2014 World Championships, he moved up and set his latest best in the up to 59kg in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in February. It will take some doing for anyone to get close to his 210.5kg current best.

Women’s up to 45kg

All eyes will be on another dominant Chinese lifter Dandan Hu as she makes her Paralympic debut at Rio 2016.

Hu broke the word record at the Euros, lifting 100kg and putting her competitors on notice. However at a national competition, also in 2015, Hu lifted a personal best of 104kg to give herself and her team confidence that she has a lot left in the tank for the Paralympic Games.

Men’s up to 72kg

Iraq’s Rasool Mohsin looks likely to dominate here as the current 225kg world record holder. Mohsin set his current record in July 2015 after breaking his own best by 5kg.

This season he has taken charge once again, with a best of 218kg well ahead of his nearest rival, Egypt’s Mohammed Elelfat.

Sport fans from around the world can now buy their Paralympic tickets for Rio 2016 from authorised ticket resellers (ATRs).

The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.