Yule remains on track for Rio with fourth place finish at 2016 IPC Powerlifting World Cup Dubai

British Weight Lifting’s elite para-powerlifters remain on track for Rio 2016 Paralympic qualification after this week’s performances at the IPC Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai.

British para-powerlifting and Help for Heroes Sports Recovery programme athlete, Micky Yule, achieved a fourth place finish in the -80kg category, in what was the penultimate opportunity to secure crucial qualification points ahead of this summer’s Paralympic Games.

World Class Programme lifter Micky secured fourth place despite suffering from a pectoral injury which had impacted on his training in the build up to the competition. The Glasgow born athlete lifted 185kg with his first lift before narrowly missing out at 190kg with his ensuing two attempts.Micky remains in a qualification place in both the -65 and -80kg classifications.

Micky was joined in Dubai by fellow British Weight Lifting elite para-powerlifters. four-time Paralympian Natalie Blake and World Champion Ali Jawad.

In order to qualify for Rio 2016, athletes must meet the IPC Powerlifting Paralympic Minimum Qualification Standard (MQS) for their respective weight category; the top eight ranked male athletes and top six ranked female athletes in each weight category as of 29 February 2016 will be awarded places at next summer’s Paralympic Games.

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Commenting on the team’s performance in Dubai, British Weight Lifting’s Paralympic Performance Manager Tom Whittaker said, “Although disappointed not to medal, we are pleased with the performances from all three of our athletes, who remain on course to achieving the ultimate objective of qualifying for this summer’s Paralympic Games.

“The next couple of weeks are huge for the team, as we head into the final World Cup and Rio qualifying opportunity later this month and we will all be focused on ensuring the athletes’ training and preparation gives them the best chance of securing their place in Rio this summer.”

The final IPC Powerlifting World Cup takes place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 24-28 February, where Great Britain will be represented by Micky Yule, Natalie Blake and Zoe Newson.

The support provided to Micky forms part of the Help for Heroes’ partnership with British Weight Lifting and the British Paralympic Association to introduce military personnel and veterans to Paralympic Sport.