Mexico City 2017: Loveline Obiji vs. Catalina Diaz Vilchis

Nigerian world record holder to face local hope in long-awaited return to competition 25 Nov 2017
Imagen
two female Para powerlifters celebrate with their medals

Obiji (L) and Diaz Vilchis will contest the women's up to 86kg

ⒸGetty Images
By IPC

Loveline Obiji will produce one of the most long-awaited comebacks in powerlifting at the Mexico City 2017 World Championships, from 2-8 December, after missing out the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games due to pregnancy.

The Nigerian won every competition she has taken part in throughout his career, except the Dubai 2014 Worlds, when she ‘only’ claimed silver behind Egypt’s Randa Mahmoud in a hard-fought battle in the women’s up to 86kg.

With Mahmoud’s withdrawal from Mexico City 2017, the way is paved for London 2012 gold medallist Obiji, who also holds the category’s world record of 144kg, to win her first World title.

Supported by her home crowd, Rio 2016 bronze medallist Catalina Diaz Vilchis is hoping to deliver the best version of herself and Obiji not to return in full shape in order to fight for the gold medal.

Head to Head

PERSONAL INFO

Obiji: Nationality: Nigeria. Age: 27

Diaz Vilchis: Nationality: Mexico. Age: 53

PARALYMPIC GAMES

Obiji: Games: 1 (2012)

Medals: 1 (1 gold)

Diaz Vilchis: Games: 5 (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)

Medals: 2 (2 bronze)

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Obiji: Championships: 1 (2014)

Medals: 1 (1 silver)

Diaz Vilchis: Championships: 5 (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)

Medals: 3 (2 silvers, 1 bronze)

DID YOU KNOW?

Obiji: Was named Sportswoman of the Year at the 2015 Nigerian Sports Awards

Diaz Vilchis: "There's nothing that I can't do,” is her sporting motto

More information can be found on Mexico City 2017’s website.