Egyptian legend Sherif Osman continues to inspire 

Just a month ago, Egypt’s capital hosted the Cairo 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships, with thrilling Rookie & Next Gen events held from 9-10 October, followed by an action-packed Elite World Championships from 11-18 October.

One of the notable moments of the event took place on 13 October, when Egypt’s Sherif Osman competed in the men’s up to 65kg category. The four-time world champion and three-time Paralympic gold medallist participated in Group B and completed three successful lifts, with his best result of 163kg in the third attempt.

That lift earned him 15th place overall, in a field where China’s Zhou Shiwei secured his first major title with a 205kg lift in his second attempt.

🇪🇬 Sherif Osman finishes 15th at his 7th Worlds with a 163kg lift in the men’s up to 65kg 💪

At 43, the legend has one goal: @LA28 🎯
Can he claim a 4th 🥇Paralympic gold—and a 5th Worlds 🏆 on the way?

The journey continues 👀🔥#Cairo2025 #ParaPowerlifting pic.twitter.com/vZ08yXjgWB

— Para Powerlifting (@Powerlifting) October 13, 2025

Given that Osman resumed training only a few weeks before the competition, the result marked a significant personal achievement for the Egyptian athlete.

Focus on the road to Los Angeles

For Osman, competing in Cairo caried a special significance as it marked the beginning of the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Without competing at these World Championships, his opportunity for a potential seventh Paralympic Games appearance would have ended prematurely.

“It doesn’t matter if you win gold, silver, bronze, or finish 10th. What matters is showing up, competing, and staying on your pathway toward Los Angeles 2028,” Osman said.

Beyond his athletic ambitions, Osman expressed his intention to continue contributing to Para powerlifting in various capacities.

“My first goal is to get back on stage with a gold medal in Los Angeles,” he said. “My second goal is to remain part of this sport — whether as a coach, an administrator or someone who helps it grow. Para powerlifting has changed my life completely, and I want to give back all the energy it has given me.”

An event of regional significance

Osman also highlighted the broader importance of Cairo hosting the World Championships, describing it as a milestone for both Egypt and Africa.

“This event shows that Africa is growing, Egypt is growing, and so are the IPC and WPPO. For a long time, we didn’t have a World Championships in Africa. Hosting it here proves that IPC, WPPO, and Egypt have all done a great job. Africa can be proud of this achievement.”

Although competing in his home country, Osman attended the event without family or friends present, traveling to the venue from his home in Cairo. Despite this, he said he felt strong support from athletes and coaches worldwide.

“I heard my name being called by athletes and coaches from all over the world. Their support motivates me as much as I try to motivate them,” he said.

Acknowledging the next generation

At 43, Osman continues to compete at the elite level, though he acknowledges that younger athletes are now emerging as new contenders. Among them is Mohamed Elmenyawy, 27, who lifted 210kg to win gold in the men’s up to 59kg category in Cairo — just a year after taking gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Won it in style, celebrated in style!

Mohamed Elmenyawy lifted 210kg in his third attempt to win his first World Championships gold ever and Egypt’s first at #Cairo2025 🇪🇬

How many more will the home country get?

📸 @Hiroki_Nishioka / WPPO#ParaPowerlifting pic.twitter.com/E5NELgeMA1

— Para Powerlifting (@Powerlifting) October 12, 2025

Elmenyawy also attempted to break Osman’s longstanding world record from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, falling just short on this occasion. Osman welcomed the challenge, describing it as a positive reflection of progress in Egyptian Para powerlifting.

“That makes me proud. It means I’ve had a positive impact on this sport,” he said. “If he breaks it, it shows he’s stronger, and that’s something to celebrate because he’s Egyptian. If he doesn’t, it means I’m still stronger — and we’re both part of the same journey.”

Osman remains one of only three Para powerlifters to have held world records in multiple categories, alongside China’s Lingling Guo and Jordan’s Abdelkareem Khattab.

Next on the Para powerlifting calendar are the 2026 regional championships, followed by the Bahrain 2026 World Para Powerlifting Championships, scheduled for December 2026 in Manama.

With additional preparation time, Sherif Osman will aim to continue competing at the highest level as he pursues his long-term goal of returning to the Paralympic stage in Los Angeles 2028.