Artyom Antropov of Kazakhstan secured a second consecutive victory at the IWF World Championships in Bahrain by lifting a total of 400kg in the 102kg category, edging out Qatar’s Meso Hassona. Spain earned its historic first championship medal through Marcos Ruiz with a bronze finish. China dominated the women’s 81kg category. The competition also witnessed emotional performances, including the retirement of Mongolian lifter Ankha Munkjantsan due to injuries.
On Day 8 of the IWF World Championships held in Bahrain, Artyom Antropov achieved a second consecutive victory for Kazakhstan, showcasing remarkable performance in the 102kg category. His last lift secured him a total of 400kg, overtaking Qatar’s Meso Hassona, who finished with a total of 399kg. Meanwhile, Spain celebrated its first World Championships medal, as Marcos Ruiz garnered bronze. The session also witnessed notable achievements from participating countries, including a strong showing from China, which dominated the women’s 81kg category.
Initially positioned in 12th place at the midway point of the competition, Antropov’s impressive clean and jerk lifts contributed to his eventual triumph. He and Hassona were the only athletes to complete five successful lifts, outperforming the 22 competitors who managed a collective 26. Antropov’s final clean and jerk lift brought him just under the world record set by Liu Huanhua, the Olympic champion from China, establishing him as a formidable contender for future competitions.
This championships featured emotional retirements, notably that of Mongolian lifter Ankha Munkjantsan, who concluded her career after a commendable performance in her final competition. With aspirations for a family and recognition of her years in the sport, Munkjantsan made a significant impact, retiring due to ongoing injury concerns. The event also highlighted emerging talents, such as Yekta Jamali from the Weightlifting Refugee Team, who demonstrated improvement and ambition in her performance.
The IWF World Championships, an esteemed event in competitive weightlifting, showcases the prowess of athletes from around the globe. It serves as a platform for lifters to excel not only for personal accolades but also for national pride. This year’s championships have seen Kazakhstan rising in prominence, particularly through Antropov’s performances. Changes in competition levels and categories have also been a focus for several athletes, marking a transformative period in the sport, especially as athletes approach Olympic qualifications.
In summary, the IWF World Championships in Bahrain highlighted significant achievements from various competitors, notably Artyom Antropov’s victory for Kazakhstan and Meso Hassona’s commendable second place finish. Spain made history with its first medal, while notable retirements and promising performances from emerging athletes underscored the depth of talent present at the competition. These events set the stage for future competitions, with athletes aiming to surpass existing world records and achieve their personal bests.
Original Source: iwf.sport
