Cork Para Powerlifters ready to take on the World as the road to the Paralympics starts in Cairo 

Two Cork Para Powerlifters are ready to take on the world as the road to the Paralympics starts in Cairo later this month.

IWA-Sport’s Cork Para Powerlifters, Niamh Buckley and Ruairi Devlin are ready for the Para Powerlifting World Championships, taking place in Cairo, Egypt from October 9-18.

These World Championships in Cairo mark the beginning of the journey to qualify for the 2028 Paralympic Games in LA. 

They are the first of the mandatory competitions Para Powerlifters must compete in to qualify for the Paralympic Games. 

More than 700 athletes from around the world will compete in various weight classes at these championships, which are being held in Africa for the first time.

The importance of the competition isn’t lost on either Ruairi or Niamh who are both feeling confident ahead of the World Championships.

Niamh shared how despite balancing college life and training, she’s managed her preparation well.

“Preparation has been going really well. Being back at college and training for the World Championships has been a bit of a juggling act but I have managed it well. 

"I can’t wait to get to Cairo now.” 

Ruairi shared Niamh’s thoughts and feels he’s in good form ahead of the competition.

“I think back to how good I felt at the Irish Invitationals in July, where I had one of my best performances to date with two perfect lifts. 

"My strength, form and especially my bar speed have all taken big steps forward and I’m moving heavy weight like it’s nothing. 

"I’m extremely confident heading to Cairo and I fully expect to come home with new personal bests.” 

The Para Powerlifting World Championships begins for Ireland on Friday 10th October when Niamh Buckley will compete in the Up to 61kg Category in the Junior World Championships. 

She’ll then compete in the Senior World Championships in the same category on Wednesday, 15th October.

Ruairi Devlin will compete in the Up to 88kg Category on Sunday, 12th October.

IWA-Sport will be sharing daily updates on the athletes’ progress, along with live streams to watch and support the Irish Para Powerlifters across their social media platforms.