Sunday, September 14, 2008

Powerlifting : Injured Sharifah Overcomes Pain To Equal Para Asean Record

BEIJING, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- A shoulder injury failed to douse the spirit of debutant powerlifter Sharifah Raudzah Syed Akil who eventually equalled the Para Asean Games record in the women's 82.5kg category at the Beijing Paralympics here Sunday.

The 35-year-old, managed to lift 117.5kg to finish in sixth spot and equal her own record that she had set during the Para Asean Games in Korat, Thailand early this year.

"I was very apprehensive in the beginning for fear that my shoulder injury will hamper my efforts but I am glad that I could manage a reasonable lift and considering my injury, I am satisfied with my performance," said Sharifah when met by Bernama after her event.

The gold medal in the category was won by Heba Said Ahmed from Eygpt who cleared 155kg to set a new world and Paralympics record.

In fact, as early as the first lift, Heba cleared 135kg, to equal the Paralympics record held by Emma Brown of Great Britain since the 2000 Sydney Games, and on her second lift, smashed the world record of 143.5kg held by Zhang Liping of China with a 145kg effort.

However, not wanting to be contended with smashing the world record, Heba continued to clear 150kg, 152.5kg and finally 155kg during her subsequent efforts.

The silver medal went to Zuo Jue from the host nation with a lift of 137.5kg while Mexico's Perla Patricia Barcenas managed 130kg for the bronze.

Meanwhile, according to Sharifah, she would now go back and start her focus and preparations for the next Para Games, Asian Para Games and World Powerlifting Championships.

-- BERNAMA

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