Cypriot weightlifter Maria Markou in action on Friday

Cypriot weightlifter Maria Markou will be in action on Friday, competing in the 61-kilogram category.

She is the last Cypriot Paralympian to compete in this year’s Games, after long jumper Viktoras Pentaras’ seventh-placed finish and swimmer Karolina Pelendritou’s two-medal haul.

Markou’s event will take place at Paris’ Porte de la Chapelle Arena, and will begin at 2.35pm Cyprus time, being broadcast live on television by CyBC.

She has moved down a weight category since the last Paralympics three years ago in Tokyo, where she finished in seventh place in the 67kg category.

Speaking to sports website Metrosport last year, she said the change had “initially been difficult”, but that “with the help of a nutritionist, a sports psychologist, and my coach, we managed it.”

She also spoke with the Cyprus News Agency, saying she is “ready to meet the challenge” of this year’s Games.

“I hope my participation will inspire other people to follow their dreams and believe in their own strengths,” she added.