Tokyo 2020 wrap-up: Best powerlifting quotes

A selection of the best quotes from the five days of Para powerlifting at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

From record medallists to targets set for the World Championships in Batumi in November and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, what the world's best said in Tokyo.

“It’s about medals, not numbers. I will lift whatever it takes to win the gold medal. If I had to lift 250kg today that would have been no problem. I have done it at home in Jordan.”

A quietly confident Abdelkareem Mohammad Khattab after taking gold for Jordan in the men’s up to 88kg.

“From my first Paralympics at Sydney 2000 I have been waiting for god and my body to tell me when to stop, but that hasn’t come yet. So I'll keep going.”

Women's up to 61kg gold medallist Amalia Perez from Mexico showing no inclination to slow down at 48 years old.

"The critical situation was that she was just steps away from death with meningitis. She was very near to death. That's why today is such a great result. To have a gold now is really a miracle."

Coach Oleg Pakula recalls Ukrainian powerlifter Mariana Shevchuk's recovery from serious illness in 2019 after Shevchuk won the women’s up to 55kg event.

“We have the World Championships in Georgia, beginning 27 November. Remember this day and remember this conversation. There, I will be back on top.”

Gold medallist at the past three Paralympic Games, Egypt's Sherif Osman sounds a warning to his rivals after claiming silver in the men’s up to 59kg in Tokyo.

“Paris 2024 will finally separate us, because I promise to win gold and bring a new world record.”

The men’s up to 49kg gold medallist Omar Qarada from Jordan throws down the gauntlet to his long-time friend and rival - and silver medallist - Le Van Cong from Vietnam. 

“Please don’t tease me. If Omar breaks my record, I will simply win the record back.”

Le's answer, less convinced by Qarada’s Paris 2024 target.

"To be honest with you, she’s not stronger than me. She’s a nice woman, and she’s a strong woman, but next time we compete she will know that I’m stronger than her.”

Silver medallist in the women's over 86kg, Nigeria's Loveline Obiji about gold medallist Deng Xuemei from China.