China's Fu Taoying set new world and Paralympic records on her way to winning a gold medal in the Women's -67.5kg event of the Paralympic Powerlifting competition on Saturday, September 13.

Fu Taoying poses on the podium with her gold medal. [Xinhua]

The silver medal was won by Nigeria's Amoge Victoria Nneji and the bronze medal was won by Syria's Rasha Alshikh.

China's Fu Taoying equaled the Paralympic record of 142.5kg set by Ahmed Heba of Egypt at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games on her second attempt, after making a good lift of 137.5kg on her first attempt.

On her third attempt, Fu had the bar loaded to 145.5kg in a bid to smash the Paralympic record of 142.5kg and her own world record of 144kg, set at the 2007 National Games in Kunming, China. She registered a no-lift but she made a successful fourth attempt at the same weight, smashing both the world and Paralympic records.

Nneji and Alshikh competed for the silver medal after Egypt's Rania Alaa Eldin Morshedi surprisingly failed to lift 120kg on her second and third attempts.

On her third attempt, Alshikh registered a no-lift at 122.5kg, consigning her to third place and the bronze medal. Nneji's third attempt at 142.5kg was also a no-lift, but her performance was enough to secure the silver medal.

Medalists stand on the podium. [Xinhua]

The Powerlifting events continue on Sunday, September14 at the BUAA Gymnasium with the Women's -75kg, -82.5kg and +82.5kg, and the Men's -75kg categories.

(BOCOG September 13, 2008)