This archive report was first published on 26 August 2021.
Kenya's Hellen Wawira made a strong impression in her Paralympics debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, finishing fifth in the women's powerlifting (41kg and above) event.
On August 26, 2021, Wawira, who was the only African competitor in the event, lifted 90kg and 93kg, but was unable to lift 95kg in her third attempt, resulting in a no lift.
Despite not achieving her target of lifting 100kg, Wawira expressed her gratitude for getting a good lift, stating, 'In the last two days I have not been feeding well but I am grateful for getting a good lift, this has motivated me, to get that in Paralympics is not easy, you saw some good lifters failed to record points.'
Wawira's performance has motivated her to aim for the World Record in the next international competition, with a target of lifting 110kg. Her coach, David Ochieng, backed her to go for the World Record, saying, 'We have beaten good powerlifters and I am happy with that, to finish ahead of teams like Brazil and Colombia is great.'
Wawira's impressive debut has set her sights on the Commonwealth Games, where she aims to lift 100kg in her first attempt and break the World Record by lifting 110kg.
