The most successful Para powerlifter in Paralympic history, Amalia Perez, is back on the competition platform after a year and a half – and already setting her sights on LA28.
The seven-time Paralympic medallist her return at the end of May, competing in the opening stage of the Mexican Para Powerlifting Circuit held at the National Paralympic Centre (CEPAMEX) in Mexico City.
After a long recovery from shoulder surgery, Perez completed her three lifts of 100kg, 105kg and 110kg to take gold in the women’s up to 61kg category.
“I was honestly a little nervous because it was my first competition after a year and a half of not touching the bar. I was also very excited to share the stage again with colleagues of many years and with others who are preparing to represent us in the future,” Perez told NPC Mexico (COPAME).
“Here at the Mexican Circuit, the best competitors at the national level gather, preparing for the upcoming international competitions, as well as the new generations who will represent us soon. For me, it is a pleasure to return after an injury, ready to give my best.”
Perez made her Paralympic debut at Sydney 2000, winning silver. She repeated the result at Athens 2024 before claiming her first Paralympic title at Beijing 2008. Three more golds followed at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. At the most recent edition in Paris 2024, she secured bronze in the women’s up 61kg – her seventh Paralympic medal.
After her podium finish in Paris, she reflected:
“Despite the colour, I wanted to make Para sport history – being the woman with the most medals in the history of Para powerlifting, also when compared to men. The medal is a symbol of enthusiasm, discipline, power and perseverance, and most of all, of the passion I have for the sport.”
Those final moments leading up to the 🥇
Paralympic Champions | Tokyo 2020 📼
🇲🇽Amalia Perez – women’s up to 61kg
🏋🏻♀️ : 131kg#ParaPowerlifting @Paralympics @COPAME pic.twitter.com/9ajFBjYjNL— Para Powerlifting (@Powerlifting) August 7, 2024
Following Paris, the Mexican star was forced into a break due to a serious right-shoulder injury that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Now back in action, she is already dreaming of an eight medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
“I had some doubts about the lifts in my return. I didn’t know how they were going to turn out, but they went excellently well and that gives me a good start for the upcoming competitions, which will be tougher and mandatory in the qualification process for Los Angeles. I feel confident that I’m going to do well, be among the best again, and continue recovering so I can represent Mexico and keep promoting this sport that I love,” she said.
Perez is also looking ahead to her seventh Parapan American Games, as the event returns to Lima next year, where she previously won gold in 2019.
“Next year we have the Lima 2027 Parapan American Games and we want to give Mexico a worthy representation. I know that other countries like Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela and Chile are also powerhouses in this sport, so we will be present to reaffirm Mexico’s work and make our country very proud,” she added.
Amalia Perez at Paralympic Games
Sydney 2000
Silver – Women’s up to 52kg (117.5kg)
Athens 2004
Silver – Women’s up to 48kg (110kg)
Beijing 2008
Gold – Women’s up to 52kg (125kg)
London 2012
Gold – Women’s up to 60kg (135.5kg)
Rio 2016
Gold – Women’s up to 55kg (130kg)
Tokyo 2020
Gold – Women’s up to 61kg (131kg)
Paris 2024
Bronze – Women’s up to 61kg (130kg)
