Mexico City 2017: 10 powerlifters to watch

There are just 100 days for the world's best powerlifters to prepare for the sport's biggest event in Mexico City. Here are the ones to watch at the 2017 World Championships.

1. Amalia Perez (MEX) The home favourite and three-time Paralympic champion seeks to extend her winning streak in the women's up to 61kg and claim her fourth consecutive world title.

2. Siamand Rahman (IRI)

Few doubt the world´s strongest Paralympian will successfully defend the men´s over 107kg world title in Mexico City. After becoming the first powerlifter ever to break the 300kg barrier at Rio 2016, Rahman is set to make history again at this year´s Worlds.

3. Josephine Orji (NIG)

It was at the World Championships in Dubai, UAE, in 2014, that Orji burst onto the international scene by lifting 151kg in the women´s over 86kg to become the strongest female powerlifter in the world. Four years on, the 38-year-old aims to add another world gold to her medal tally.

4. Sherif Othman (EGY)

Othman (211kg) lifted almost four times his body weight to set a new world record in the men´s up to 59kg on his way to gold at Rio 2016. After such a feat, no one would bet against him when he tries to seal his third successive world title at Mexico 2017.

5. Lei Liu (CHN)

With a 223kg lift, the Chinese took gold in the men´s up to 72kg at Rio 2016, but it was Iraq´s Rasool Mohsin who set the new world record in the event by pushing 227kg in the fourth round. This rivalry will reach new heights at this year´s World Championships.

6. Raushan Koishibayeva (KAZ)

The Kazakh needs to be at her very best in the women´s up to 67kg if she wants to dethrone China´s reigning Paralympic and world champion Yujiao Tan in one of the most exciting events.

7. Le Van Cong (VIE)

Far from feeling satisfied after winning his country´s first Paralympic gold medal in history, the 33-year-old is now hoping to claim his maiden world title in Mexico City.

8. Pavlos Mamalos (GRE)

Motivated after winning his maiden Paralympic title in Rio, Greece´s first powerlifting Paralympic medallist ever will be the favourite to top the podium in the men´s up to 107kg at Mexico 2017.

9. Nazmiye Muratlı (TUR)

Seven years after winning her first world title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the 38-year-old and Rio 2016 champion is looking to claim another gold in the women´s up to 41kg, in Mexico City.

10. Catalina Diaz Vilchis (MEX)

The home crowd will be hoping to celebrate through Rio 2016 bronze medallist Catalina Diaz Vilchis, who will compete in the women´s up to 86kg.