Chinese lifters post golden double as women’s 63kg records tumble
China’s weightlifters claimed their second and third gold medals of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on 9 August with victories in the women's 63kg and men's 69kg.
Deng Wei was the victor in a sensational women's event in which five Olympic and two world records were set and re-set in less than two hours. The contest was billed as a battle between Deng and fellow Olympic debutant Choe Hyo Sim of DPR Korea, and so it proved.
After Deng, 23, equalled the Olympic snatch record of 115kg, both she and Choe set new Games records in the clean and jerk. Deng's 147kg final effort set a new 63kg total world mark of 262kg – up from 261kg.
Choe took silver while Karina Goricheva of Kazakhstan won bronze.
Deng said: “I’m very excited and thrilled to win this medal. At first, I was very nervous, because it was my first Olympic Games, but afterwards I won, so I’m just super excited.
My performances were good enough to be in the team at London four years ago but another team-mate was chosen ahead of me. I said to my coach that I could break the world record so it was within my expectation. I will continue to work hard to win more gold medals.
I’m very satisfied with my performance. I’ve been targeting a gold medal for a long time, so I am very happy with this.”
Bronze medallist Goricheva summed up how much it meant to her to finish in the top three, saying: “When I was standing at the podium and getting this medal I simply felt euphoric. I forgot everything: my hard training, my tears, my regrets. It was just a feeling of light and happiness inside.
“It has been a responsibility to represent my country and tomorrow I will feel freedom and relief inside.”
Shi maintains Chinese 69kg run
Shi Zhiyong made it four in a row for China in the men’s 69kg event, his 352kg total enough to beat Daniyar Ismayilov of Turkey into silver (351kg) as Ismayilov claimed Turkey’s first medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“I’m very happy. I achieved my goal, I achieved my team’s goal. Our team worked hard for three years. We all went through a lot to get to this point,” said Shi. “This is not just important for me, but for my whole team. I would like to dedicate this medal to my team and coach who give me confidence, love, courage and support.”