China’s Luo Shifang Wins Olympic Gold in Weightlifting, Sets New Records in Paris
Chinese weightlifting sensation Luo Shifang claimed the gold medal in the 59kg category at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, setting new Olympic records in both the snatch and clean and jerk with a total lift of 241kg.
In a thrilling competition that pitted youth against experience, the 23-year-old Luo emerged victorious over Canada’s Maude Charron and Taiwan’s defending champion Kuo Hsing-Chun.
Reflecting on her victory, Luo said, “I’m looking forward to the next 10 years, and I am eager to keep improving.”
Charron, 31, who previously won gold in the 64kg category at the Tokyo Olympics, secured the silver medal with a total lift of 236kg. She had to move down to the 59kg category after her original weight class was removed from the Olympic program.
Kuo, 30, narrowly missed out on silver and settled for the bronze with a total of 235kg. Kuo, who was deeply moved by the large crowd, shared, “This could be my last competition, and just seeing so many supporters here gave me courage and touched my heart. It reminded me of my younger days, and I will cherish this memory forever.”
The level of competition in the 59kg category has significantly intensified since the Tokyo Olympics, with lifters needing to achieve higher totals to secure a spot on the podium.
Ukraine’s Kamila Konotop set the tone early by breaking Kuo’s Olympic record of 103kg in the snatch, lifting 104kg on her first attempt. Luo responded by lifting 105kg on her second attempt, a weight later matched by Colombia’s Yenny Alvarez and Kuo.
Charron managed to lift 106kg on her third attempt, but Luo took the lead and set a new record by lifting 107kg on her final snatch attempt. Charron remarked, “We planned for 107kg, but my coach saw that 106kg was the safer option. I trusted their judgment and went for it.”
Luo continued her dominance in the clean and jerk, setting a new Olympic record with a lift of 134kg. She executed the lift with precision, pausing in the squat and again with the bar on her chest before confidently raising it above her head.
Kuo attempted to lift 137kg on her final attempt but was unsuccessful, allowing Luo, who was already guaranteed the gold medal, to skip her final lift. Luo waved to the enthusiastic crowd at the Paris Expo arena, who responded with a long and heartfelt ovation.
