Metwaly Ibrahim Mathna competes. [Xinhua]

Egypt's winning streak in Powerlifting continued with Metwaly Ibrahim Mathna setting a new Paralympic record in the Men's 67.5 kilogram weight category and winning Egypt's third gold medal of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the BUAA Gymnasium on Saturday, September 13.

Mathna's first attempt equaled the Paralympic record of 212.5kg in this category, set by Monday Emoghavwe of Nigeria at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, a record broken by Ali Hosseini of Iran on his second attempt, with a lift of 215kg.

Not to be outdone, on his second attempt Mathna lifted 217.5kg, setting yet another Paralympic record. The competition became a clash of titans between the two strongmen, with China's Wu Maoshun always a strong third.

In his third attempt, Hosseini attempted 222.5kg to further push the Paralympic record and equal the world record, set by Mathna at the 2006 World Championships in Busan, the Republic of Korea. He made a no-lift but secured himself the silver medal. It is Iran's second medal in Powerlifting at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games after Hamzeh Mohammadi won a gold in the Men's 60kg category.

Mathna clinched the gold medal despite also making a no-lift of 222.5kg on his third attempt.

Wu Maoshun of China won the bronze medal with good lifts of 195kg, 197.5kg and 200kg.

Metwaly Ibrahim Mathna celebrates. [Xinhua]

Metwaly Ibrahim Mathna waves to spectators. [Xinhua]

(BOCOG September 13, 2008)