At the Paris 2024 Olympics, China’s Li Wenwen continued her weightlifting dominance by securing the gold in the +81kg women’s category on Sunday, 11 August. With a total lift of 309kg, Li not only defended her title from Tokyo 2020 but also contributed to China’s impressive 40th gold medal of these Games.
The event, held at the South Paris Arena, saw Li’s remarkable performance from the start. She began with a snatch of 136kg and followed it up with a clean and jerk of 173kg, which solidified her victory and left her competitors trailing. Park Hyejeong of the Republic of Korea took silver with a total of 299kg, while Emily Campbell of Great Britain, the Tokyo silver medalist, earned bronze with 288kg.
In a touching moment, after securing her victory, Li Wenwen surprised the audience by lifting her coach, Wu Meijin, high above the crowd. The gesture, inspired by her social media followers, was a heartfelt tribute to the bond between them. “He’s like a father to me,” Li said, revealing that she was unsure of his reaction but wanted to honor him in a special way.
Li’s triumph was even more significant considering her recent struggles with a serious elbow injury that had threatened her Olympic aspirations. “When I was notified to give up the Asian Games, I told myself, ‘Do not give up,’” she reflected on her determination to overcome the setback.
Emily Campbell, known for her lively personality, celebrated her bronze medal with a joyful cartwheel on stage, a playful nod to her coach. “It’s the best cartwheel you’ve ever seen,” Campbell quipped, adding a touch of fun to the competition’s conclusion.
Weightlifting: +81kg Women’s Podium
| Medal | Athlete | Country | Total Lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Li Wenwen | People’s Republic of China | 309kg |
| Silver | Park Hyejeong | Republic of Korea | 299kg |
| Bronze | Emily Campbell | Great Britain | 288kg |
The +81kg women’s weightlifting event concluded the Olympic weightlifting competitions on a high note, showcasing impressive athleticism and heartfelt moments. Moreover, this final event not only highlighted the peak of competition but also wrapped up the entire weightlifting series with remarkable performances. Additionally, the athletes’ displays of strength and emotion provided a fitting and memorable end to the Olympic weightlifting events.
