Dubai, UAE, 17 March 2019:   Russian Special Olympics Team powerlifter, Sergei Mukhligin, proved that determination, spirit and commitment pays off after he successfully lifted a huge 350-kilogram weight.

The 20-year-old’s feat of strength won him a silver medal in the squat competition, but his outpouring of emotion won him countless friends at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and around the globe.

Sergei jumped for joy and raced across the stage to embrace his coach immediately after squatting the second heaviest weight in his group contest. The wonderful moment was captured live on TV.

Amanjot Singh, from SO Bharat, won gold in the squat contest after lifting 385kg. SO Cout D’Ivorie athlete Krou Jean Martial Kouakou came third with a lift of 312.5kg.

The men’s powerlifting competition was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).