Google Doodle Today: Google is continuing its series of animated Doodles to celebrate the ongoing Paris Paralympics, with Thursday’s spotlight on powerlifting. The latest Doodle - the same as the one presented on Thursday - playfully combines the sport with a French twist, showcasing Google's commitment to highlighting the games creatively.
In Friday’s Doodle, a strong bird lifts a hefty baguette, while a smaller bird perches on top, savouring a bite of the bread. This fun and quirky illustration not only brings a smile but also adds a distinctly French flavour to the celebration.
Powerlifting At 2024 Paralympics
Powerlifting competitions at the 2024 Summer Paralympics are taking place from September 4 to September 8 at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena in Paris. The event includes 20 competitions, evenly divided between men and women.
Known as one of the most rapidly growing sports in the Paralympic movement, para powerlifting has captivated audiences worldwide. Athletes showcase upper body strength by competing in bench press events, where they must lower a barbell to their chest, pause, and then press it back up with fully extended arms. With just three attempts, the highest successful lift determines the winner, with some athletes lifting more than three times their body weight.
The sport is overseen by World Para Powerlifting, a division of the International Paralympic Committee. It is open to athletes with one of eight eligible physical impairments, with ten weight categories for both men and women. Major events include the Paralympic Games, World Championships, regional competitions, and annual World Cups and Grand Prix events.
Athletes compete on a specially designed bench measuring 2.1 metres in length and varying in width and height to meet strict international standards. All equipment used must adhere to the guidelines set by World Para Powerlifting.
History Of Para Powerlifting
Para powerlifting was introduced to the Paralympics in 1984, evolving from an earlier weightlifting event first seen at the 1964 Tokyo Games. Originally limited to men with spinal cord injuries, the sport has since expanded to include athletes with a range of physical impairments, making it one of the most inclusive disciplines in the Paralympic program.
Today, para powerlifting continues to inspire with feats of extraordinary strength, drawing in a global audience eager to witness these incredible athletes push the boundaries of human potential.