Mexico City 2017: China’s Gu Xiaofei faces tough competition

Paralympic silver medallist sees Iranian Majid Farzin as his strongest opponent 01 Dec 2017

Farzin (L) is seen by Xiaofei as his biggest threat at Mexico City 2017

ⒸGetty Images

By Maria Gran | for the IPC

“I had a break after Rio in order to get ready for this competition. I’m hoping to do well in my category and I have actively cooperated with my coach for recovery training.”

Gu Xiaofei aims to top the podium in the men's up to 80kg at the Mexico City 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships, but knows achieving his big goal will not be easy task as Rio 2016 gold medallist Majid Farzin will present tough opposition.

The Iranian defeated China's defending World champion at both 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games, even setting a new world record of 240kg in the latter. But Gu beat him at the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, South Korea, the only time they faced each other outside the Paralympics, and is hoping to do it again on Mexican soil.

For that purpose, Gu took a break from training after Rio 2016 to get back full of energy and ready to return to the level he wants to be at.

“Two months before the Rio Paralympics, my arm muscles were hurting, so training conditions were not too good. It was a pity that I did not perform as well as I could,” he said. Fortunately, Gu is now better and ready for the World Championships.

“I had a break after Rio in order to get ready for this competition. I’m hoping to do well in my category and I have actively cooperated with my coach for recovery training.”

While Farzin is considered to be the favourite, Gu is determined to fight for first place. He finds the motivation to succeed within himself. “I think my potential is very powerful and I want to see how far I can go,” he said.

Despite having his sights set on the World Championships for now, Gu also looks a little further ahead to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

“In the future, I will try my best to train and improve in order to achieve my dreams and get the highest honour in the Paralympics,” he said.

For now, it remains to be seen if he is able to hold on to his world title and beat Farzin once again.

More information is available on Mexico City 2017's website.