Comeback king Jawad claims World Cup silver at Tokyo test event

Three-time Paralympian Ali Jawad returned to competitive action in style as he claimed a stunning silver medal at the Tokyo 2019 World Para Powerlifting World Cup.

The 30-year-old was one of two GB medallists on the opening day of action at the Paralympic test event, with Micky Yule also coming away with a silver in his category.

For Jawad, his place on the podium marked a remarkable comeback for the Rio 2016 silver medallist, having not competed for 18 months due to his ongoing battle with Crohn’s disease.

He finished second behind Frenchman Axel Bourlon, who took gold in the -54kg category with a lift of 161kg, with Jawad’s effort of 147kg in the second round enough for silver.

Bronze was taken by Japan’s Mitsunori Ichikawa with a lift of 133kg at the Tokyo International Forum, which will host the para powerlifting events during the 2020 Games.

And as he continues his pursuit of that elusive Paralympic gold, Jawad admitted it was an achievement just to compete in Tokyo as he also praised his support team.

“After 18 months out due to an ongoing battle with Crohn’s disease and the biggest challenges of my life, it was a win just to be here,” said the 2014 world champion.

“Considering the battle to even get to the event, I’m forever thankful with how the team have managed and supported me. I may have Crohn’s but it won’t deny me.”

Jawad had previously revealed he was told by doctors only two procedures would help his condition, a colostomy bag and chemotherapy, both of which would effectively retire him.

But despite his most recent flare-up keeping him out of competitive action for more than a year, Jawad has no intention of giving up on his dream of winning Paralympic gold.

He was not the only GB medallist in Tokyo, though, with compatriot Yule taking the silver medal in the -80kg category behind gold medallist Ahmad Razm Azar of Azerbaijan.

Ali Jawad is a member of the British Paralympic Association Athletes’ Commission.

Find out more: Athletes’ Commission