Join AUS Squad
Back To News
Ben Wright delivered a strong performance in the men’s up to 88kg powerlifting category, securing a seventh-place finish. In his Paralympic debut, Wright successfully lifted 184kg on his first attempt, followed by 192kg on his second, and finished with 195kg on his third and final attempt.
China’s reigning Paralympic and World Champion, Panpan Yan, dominated with a winning press of 242kg, while Egypt’s Mohamed Elelfat secured second place with a 230kg lift. Ukraine’s Yurii Babynets took third place, pressing 225kg.
Wright, while missing out on a medal, was thrilled with his performance.
“I assumed I would be 10th, ninth, or eighth, so coming away with seventh is one hundred percent better than I thought,” Wright said.
He now looks towards the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
“My results are a really good place to work from and build up to LA. My coach is confident that by then, I should be lifting around 230kg, so I’ll be chasing some medals.”
Reflecting on his experience in Paris, Wright shared a personal moment from the competition.
“We had shirts made for the previous Commonwealth Games for supporters. I was looking in the crowd after my first lift, trying to find the yellow, and I spotted them. It was fantastic to see them.”
Wright also set a new Oceania record with his second lift of 192kg but opted to prioritise consistency over breaking more records.
“I thought about going for 201kg to aim for sixth place but decided to focus on achieving three good lifts,” he explained.
“Seventh place at my first Games and a new Oceania record – I can’t be upset about that.”
With his sights set on LA ‘28, Wright is determined to build on his success and compete for a medal in the future.
Reflecting on his Paralympic journey, Wright shared a powerful lesson: “Believe in yourself, and when your loved ones and friends tell you that you’re good enough, believe them.”
Wright’s teammate, Hani Watson, will compete in the women’s over 86kg category on Sunday, the final day of competition at the Games.
Watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on the 9Network and 9Now live and free, and on Stan Sport from August 28 to September 8.
By: Amanda Scott, Paralympics Australia
Published: 7 September 2024
