The Olympic record for the snatch in weightlifting in the women’s 59kg category was broken four times in a single day, with China’s Shifang Luo ultimately claiming the Olympic record. Mexican competitor Janeth Gomez also participated in this event, although her performance was considerably lower than those top figures.
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Kamila Konotop was the last athlete to take the stage and easily began her competition with the highest opening weight. She successfully lifted 104 kilos on her first attempt, surpassing the previous Olympic record of 103 kilos.
The Ukrainian suffered an injury and was unable to contend for the record / Photo: Reuters
Maude Charron followed closely, also reaching 104 kilos, though she did so on her second attempt. Shifang Luo then broke the Olympic record by successfully lifting 105 kilos on her second attempt. Colombian athlete Yenny Alvarez managed to match Luo’s lift, while Hsing-Chun Kuo from Chinese Taipei also equaled that weight.
The Canadian celebrates lifting 106 kilos / Photo: Reuters
The Canadian celebrates lifting 106 kilos / Photo: ReutersNot one to back down, Ukrainian Konotop attempted to lift 106 kilos but was unsuccessful, feeling a pull in her gluteal area. She immediately attended to it. Maude Charron then attempted the same weight and succeeded, marking the third Olympic record broken in the same day.
Shifang Luo from China lifted 107 kilos, which proved challenging at first, but she completed the lift and established a new Olympic record. Her achievement extended beyond the snatch, as she also set the record in the clean and jerk with a lift of 134 kilos.
What was the Olympic record that the Chinese athlete broke in Paris 2024?
The previous Olympic record in the weightlifting snatch was 103 kilos, a mark that falls four kilos short of the lift accomplished by Shifang Luo.
It is important to note that the world record remains higher. That record was set by North Korean Kim Il Gyong with a total lift of 111 kilos.
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Additionally, the Chinese athlete holds the world record in total (snatch and clean) with a combined weight of 248 kilograms.
The Remarkable Day at the Women’s 59kg Weightlifting Event at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The women’s 59kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics produced an electrifying atmosphere as the Olympic record for the snatch was shattered four times in a single day. The spotlight was on China’s Shifang Luo, who ultimately set the Olympic record, leaving a lasting impression on fans and competitors alike. Additionally, Mexican weightlifter Janeth Gomez participated in the event, though she couldn’t match the heights achieved by the record breakers.
Record-Breaking Performances: A Day to Remember
The competition picked up momentum as Kamila Konotop from Ukraine made an impressive start. She opened the session by lifting 104 kilograms, surpassing the previous Olympic record of 103 kilograms. It was a thrilling moment that set the stage for the subsequent athletes.
Konotop’s performance stood out as she competed bravely despite suffering a pull in her gluteus. Nevertheless, her determination mirrored the intense competition around her. Not far behind, Maude Charron from Canada followed suit, lifting the same 104 kilograms, but on her second attempt.
Unprecedented Feats: The Weightlifting Showdown
As the competition progressed, Shifang Luo made her move, breaking the streak of Olympic records by lifting 105 kilograms in her second attempt. Colombian weightlifter Yenny Alvarez matched this impressive feat, while Hsing-Chun Kuo from Chinese Taipei also managed to lift the same weight.
Setbacks were part of the day, with Konotop unable to bring down 106 kilograms due to her earlier injury. However, Maude Charron was undeterred and seized the opportunity to attempt the same weight, successfully lifting it and marking the third Olympic record broken that day.
A New Benchmark: Shifang Luo’s New Record
The day reached its peak when Shifang Luo managed a stunning lift of 107 kilograms, setting a new Olympic record. Her resilience was evident, overcoming initial challenges and securing her place in Olympic history. Luo didn’t stop there; she went on to set an astounding record in the clean and jerk as well, lifting 134 kilograms.
Details of Shifang Luo’s Record-Setting Performance
| Lift Type | Weight (kg) | Record Status |
|---|---|---|
| Snatch | 107 | Olympic Record |
| Clean and Jerk | 134 | Olympic Record |
| Total (Snatch + Clean and Jerk) | 241 | New Benchmark |
The Previous Olympic Record and Current World Records
The previous Olympic record for the snatch in the women’s 59kg category stood at 103 kilograms—a mark that was surpassed several times during the Paris 2024 event. It is significant to highlight that while Luo set an impressive Olympic record, the world record still belongs to North Korea’s Kim Il Gyong, who lifted an astonishing 111 kilograms.
Record Comparisons for Context
| Record Type | Weight Lifted (kg) | Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Record (Snatch) | 107 | Shifang Luo |
| Previous Olympic Record (Snatch) | 103 | – |
| World Record (Snatch) | 111 | Kim Il Gyong |
| World Record (Total) | 248 | Shifang Luo |
Other Notable Competitors in the Women’s 59kg Event
Besides Shifang Luo, several other competitors made their mark during the event. Their performances, while not all breaking records, showcased the strength and determination of female weightlifters on the global stage:
- Kamila Konotop
- Maude Charron: Demonstrated great skill by lifting 104 kilograms and marking her name in Olympic weightlifting history.
- Yenny Alvarez: Showed her prowess by matching Shifang Luo’s record-breaking lifts during the event.
- Hsing-Chun Kuo: Remarkable performance, equaling the weights lifted by her competitors.
Significance of the Olympic Records
The remarkable records set during this event reflect the athletes’ dedication and advancements in weightlifting techniques and training methods. Breaking multiple records in a single day not only elevates the sport’s profile but also inspires upcoming weightlifters across the world.
As the Olympic Games continue to be a platform for showcasing extraordinary talent and resilience, the legacy of these athletes will inspire generations to come. These moments of athletic excellence remind us of the relentless pursuit of greatness in sports.
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