Elshan Huseynov seeks first Paralympic medal in Rio

After an exceptional 2015 season Azerbaijan’s Elshan Huseynov is ready to make a splash at Rio 2016. 27 Jul 2016
Imagen
Elshan Huseynov, Powerlifting, Azerbaijan, Almaty 2015
Azerbaijan’s Elshan Huseynov won the country's first medal in the men’s up to 107kg class at the 2015 IPC Powerlifting Asian Open Championships.
ⒸKonstantin Kniazevych & Anatoly Kudyakov
By Laura Godenzi | For the IPC

Azerbaijan’s Elshan Huseynov has never won a Paralympic medal before, despite having participated at two Paralympic Games. At Rio 2016 this could change, especially after an exceptional 2015 season.

At the 2015 IPC Powerlifting Asian Open Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in July, Huseynov had a major breakthrough. In the final round he did not only seal the gold medal, but also broke a new world record by lifting 242kg in the men’s up to 107kg.

Then at November’s European Open in Eger, Hungary, Huseynov once again excelled and demonstrated that he is clearly a candidate for the podium at Rio 2016.

In a thrilling showdown against his rival, Greek world champion Pavlos Mamalos, Huseynov bettered his own world record when he lifted 243kg in the men’s up to 107kg.

After closing 2015 on such a high note, Huseynov sent a message to Mamalos and other contenders.

“I take a lot of confidence from this year. If I keep up my responsible approach to my work, I can confidently say that I will be the winner of the Paralympic Games in Rio,” he said.

His plan for his third Paralympic Games is absolutely clear. “Certainly, my biggest goal is to win the gold medal in the men’s up to 107kg. I expect from the Rio Games only successful exits,” the 39-year old said.

Even though he one of the favourites, the Azerbaijani is not underestimating the fact that he will face strong competition at Rio 2016:

“It’s the Paralympic Games. There are no weak rivals, all are strong.”

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