Ali Jawad named in GB’s five-person powerlifting squad for Paralympics

Former world champion Jawad will be competing in his fourth Games.

Powerlifter Ali Jawad is heading for Tokyo (PA Archive)

Paralympic silver medallist Ali Jawad has been named in Great Britain’s five-person powerlifting squad for Tokyo 2020.

Former world champion Jawad will be competing in his fourth Games in the men’s up to 59kg class, having finished second in Rio five years ago.

The 32-year-old secured a place on the plane after finishing eighth in the men’s 59kg qualification rankings following a stunning sporting comeback after an extensive 18-month period out of action due to an ongoing battle against Crohn’s disease.

“After a roller coaster journey since Rio 2016, I’m super excited for the challenges of Tokyo 2020 and I’m determined to deliver a performance reflecting the hard work that me and my team have applied in the face of a challenging and competitive environment,” Jawad said in a statement.

Two-time Paralympic bronze medallist Zoe Newson will also travel to the Japanese capital and will compete in the women’s up to 41kg class.

She qualified third in the Tokyo rankings with a best lift of 95kg courtesy of a gold medal-winning performance at this year’s Tbilisi World Cup in Georgia.

European champion Louise Sugden will represent Britain in the women’s up to 86kg class at her third Games. She previously played wheelchair basketball for ParalympicsGB at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

European and Invictus Games champion Micky Yule has been selected in the men’s up to 72kg competition, while Olivia Broome, who will compete in the women’s up to 50kg, completes the squad.

British Weight Lifting Paralympic performance director Tom Whittaker said: “I am thrilled the team has been announced and over the moon for the five individuals who have all overcome significant challenges personally and collectively over the three years of qualification and 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s a privilege to have watched them show resilience, consistency and success in getting to this stage ahead of departure.”