Mexico City 2017: Majid Farzin vs. Gu Xiaofei

The men’s up to 80kg event at the Mexico City 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships promises to be one of the most thrilling, with Rio 2016 gold medallist Majid Farzin and defending world champion Gu Xiaofei battling for gold.

After setting an outstanding new world record of 240kg at last year’s Paralympics, the Iranian will start as the favourite. But the Chinese will not compete just to make up the numbers and is determined to fight back.

Farzin defeated Gu at London 2012 and Rio 2016. But the Chinese won at the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, South Korea, the only time they faced each other at a major event outside the Paralympic Games.

Head to Head

PERSONAL INFO

Farzin: Nationality: Iran. Age: 33

Gu: Nationality: China. Age: 28

PARALYMPIC GAMES

Farzin: Games: 3 (2008, 2012, 2016)

Medals: 3 (2 golds, 1 silver)

Gu: Games: 2 (2012, 2016)

Medals: 2 (2 silvers)

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Farzin: Championships: 2 (2006, 2010)

Medals: 1 (1 gold)

Gu: Championships: 2 (2010, 2014)

Medals: 2 (1 gold, 1 bronze)

DID YOU KNOW?

Farzin: During his free time, he enjoys reading and surfing the internet

Gu: Took up powerlifting at age 15 influenced by China’s four-time powerlifting Paralympic champion Zhang Haidong

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