Power-Lifting Spirits Up #1YearToGo

By Justin Schroth

What does a man that can lift over twice his weight, two Paralympic gold medals, and Kabukiza have in common? That would be Siamand Rahman being photographed at one of Tokyo’s famous Kabuki theaters, for the final addition to The Tokyo Organising Committee’s recognition of Paralympic Athletes.

For those who may not yet know, The Tokyo Organising Committee has been running a campaign designed to highlight highly skilled athletes who have participated in past and current Paralympic Games. The campaign has had several of these Paralympic athletes photographed while sharing their stories, achievements, and surrounded by world recognized Tokyo landmarks. You can find more information on the beginning of this inspirational campaign here.

The Kabukiza Theater seems like an ideal place to capture Siamand Rahman and his amazing feats of strength. While strength isn’t usually the first thing people think of for those requiring the use of a wheelchair, this 31-year-old Powerlifter demonstrates that the two can coexist together. If holding two gold medals in weightlifting doesn’t prove this (from 2012 Summer Paralympics in London and the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio), Siamand Rahman also holds a world record in the “men’s over 107 kg” category, from lifting an amazing 310 kg (683 lbs.)! Accomplishing such astonishing feats almost feels like that of the Japanese legends presented on the stage of Kabukiza itself. That’s not all, he also holds 3 additional lifting gold medals from the Asian Para Games (one when he was just 22 years old), and another from the IPC Powerlifting World Championship! Clearly, he takes his career seriously, and is showing no signs of stopping there!

For Siamand Rahman the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be his opportunity to show of his exceptional skill once again, where his intention will be to set a new world record. Having out lifted Athletes in both Olympic and Paralympic games in the past, it stands that his chances of obtaining his goal is within reach. For those of us at Accessible Japan, we are looking forward to this and more in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. If you find yourself inspired and want more information about tickets to the Paralympic Games, check out this link to the Tokyo 2020 Official Website.

References

Schroth, Justin. “Gearing Up, Paralympics #1YearToGo.” Accessible Japan, https://accessible-japan.com/gearing-up-paralympics-1yeartogo/.

“Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Ticket Lottery.” Tokyo 2020 Official Website, https://tokyo2020.org/en/news/notice/20190822-01.html