China tops medal tally with 3 more golds at Tokyo Paralympics

TOKYO -- China pocketed three gold medals from powerlifting, wheelchair fencing and swimming at the Tokyo Paralympics on Thursday to overtake Australia on the top of the medal tally.

Chinese powerlifter Guo Lingling dominated the women's 41kg event in her Paralympic debut. After lifting up 105kg to break the Paralympic record of 104kg in her first attempt, the only question remaining for the rest of the competition was what else she might accomplish.

In her fourth attempt, which didn't count for this match according to Paralympic rules, the 32-year-old inked a fresh world record of 109kg to beat her world mark of 108kg newly set up in her third attempt.

"I have prepared for two years for the Tokyo Paralympics, and winning a Paralympic gold medal has been my dream," Guo said. "I feel elated to be able to make my dream come true."

In the women's 45kg category, Chinese veteran Cui Zhe, who is competing in her fourth Paralympics, took the silver. Latifat Tijani of Nigeria claimed the gold.