Paris Paralympics 2024: Google Doodle Celebrating Powerlifting Will Have You Reaching For A Baguette

Powerlifting was first introduced at the Paralympics in 1984, although weightlifting debuted earlier at the 1964 Tokyo Games.

Powerlifting at the 2024 Summer Paralympics is underway in Paris, France, from September 4 to September 8 at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

Source : Google

Google Doodle Today: Google continues to celebrate the Paris Paralympics with its daily dose of animated Doodles. On Thursday, September 5, the Google Doodle brought the spotlight on powerlifting. Continuing with tradition, Google added a rather delicious French touch to the Doodle.

Check out Google Doodle Today:

The Google Doodle on Thursday showed a buff birdie lifting a heavy baguette with another little birdie sitting on top enjoying a delicious bite. Funny? Yes! Makes you wanna bite into a freshly baked baguette? DEFINITELY!

Powerlifting At 2024 Paralympics: Schedule

Powerlifting at the 2024 Summer Paralympics is underway in Paris, France, from September 4 to September 8 at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

The event features a total of 20 competitions, with an equal split of 10 events each for men and women.

A Brief History Of Para Powerlifting

Para powerlifting, recognised as one of the fastest-growing sports within the Paralympic movement, has gained popularity across nearly 100 nations. The sport focuses on upper body strength, with athletes competing in the bench press event. During the competition, lifters must bring the barbell down to their chest, hold it stationary, and then press it upward to full arm extension with locked elbows. Each athlete is given three attempts, with the highest successful lift determining the winner. It is not unusual for athletes to lift more than three times their body weight, showcasing their exceptional strength.

The sport is governed by World Para Powerlifting, a branch of the International Paralympic Committee based in Bonn, Germany. It is open to male and female competitors who have one of eight eligible physical impairments. Athletes compete in a single sports class divided into ten weight categories for each gender. Major competitions include the Paralympic Games every four years, biennial World Championships, regional championships every three years, and annual World Cup and Grand Prix events.

Para Powerlifting: Equipment & Rules

Competitors perform on a specially designed bench that measures 2.1 meters in length, with a width of 61 centimetres that tapers to 30 centimetres near the head area. The bench's height ranges between 48 and 50 centimetres off the ground. Weights used in the sport must comply with specific standards as outlined by World Para Powerlifting regulations.

Para Powerlifting: Milestones

Powerlifting was first introduced at the Paralympics in 1984, although weightlifting debuted earlier at the 1964 Tokyo Games. Initially, the sport was restricted to male athletes with spinal cord injuries, but it has since expanded to include athletes with various physical impairments, making it one of the most inclusive sports in the Paralympic program. 

The event continues to grow, drawing in athletes and fans from around the world who are eager to witness these remarkable displays of strength and determination.