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05
Sept
Nidderdale powerlifter edged out of medals at the last moment
Lottie McGuinness, our district’s only Paralympic contender, narrowly missed out on a bronze medal today in the women's 'up to 55kg' powerlifting final in Paris.
Although she went to the Paralympics not expecting to win a medal, she produced a personal best of 105kg and was in third place right up until the last lift of the session.
But then, Thailand's Kamolpen Kraratpet – who had failed at 106kg – managed to lift 108kg and claim the last place on the podium.
Lottie bids farewell to fans and spectators after her final attempt
Nevertheless, the result of the competition, which Channel 4 screened live from the Porte de la Chapelle Arena this afternoon, signifies an improvement in form. Lottie, a healthcare assistant from Darley in Nidderdale, came into the games ranked sixth in her weight division, so has moved up two places.
Her performance prompted Channel 4's commentator to describe her as a "débutante we're sure to see a lot more of in years to come".
Before the Paralympic Games began, Lottie had been philosophical about her chances of claiming one of the top spots. She told the Stray Ferret:
In LA in 2028, there will definitely be an expectation to medal, but this time around there’s no expectation to medal – I just want to go and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy it. Whatever happens, happens.
The gold medal was won by Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed, who is the current world champion and world record holder, with a lift of 121kg, and the silver was claimed by Turkey’s Besra Duman, with 113kg.
The Paralympic Games are scheduled to finish this Sunday (September 8).
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