The first day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain featured outstanding performances, notably from Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen, who won gold in the 55 kg class, and China’s Zhao Jinhong, who set two world records in the 45 kg category. Thiago Felix represented Brazil with a historic silver medal. Cicely Kyle from the USA showcased resilience as the oldest competitor. The event highlights Asia’s dominance in weightlifting despite showcasing emerging talents from across the globe.
Day one of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain showcased remarkable achievements, with five Asian athletes gracing the podium. Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen secured gold in the 55 kg weight class, eclipsing Brazil’s Thiago Felix, who claimed silver, marking Brazil’s inaugural medal in this category at the senior level. Meanwhile, Zhao Jinhong from China made history in the women’s 45 kg category by breaking two world records, while her compatriot Prk’s Won Hyon Sim earned one world record. The event was further highlighted by seasoned athletes like Cicely Kyle from the USA, demonstrating exceptional resilience despite her age.
Thiago Felix excelled with impressive performances, finishing with a total of 269 kg: 121 kg in snatch and 148 kg in clean and jerk, thereby earning gold in snatch and bronze in clean and jerk. His coach, Dragos Doru Stanica, expressed immense pride in Felix’s achievements in this highly competitive field. Chomchuen’s total of 273 kg added significant highlights to Thailand’s dominance in the category.
Zhao Jinhong’s debut was nothing short of stellar. She achieved remarkable totals, culminating in an unprecedented lift of 200 kg, thereby securing the clean and jerk and total world records for this category. Notably, this championship represented the last opportunity for competitors in the 45 kg category before it is eliminated, making Zhao’s achievements all the more significant. Pham Dinh Thi from Vietnam also showcased her prowess with a total of 170 kg, securing her place among the top competitors.
In a unique display of perseverance, Cicely Kyle, the oldest athlete at the competition, demonstrated extraordinary dedication and skill, asserting her authority in Masters weightlifting despite narrowly missing an American record in clean and jerk. Her journey from gymnastics to weightlifting exemplifies the diverse paths athletes undertake in pursuit of their goals.
As the championships progress, the spotlight will undoubtedly continue to shine on emerging talents from Asia, who are increasingly dominating the sport and setting new benchmarks in weightlifting, as seen in these stirring early performances in Bahrain.
The 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain marks a pivotal stage in international weightlifting, featuring remarkable achievements from athletes worldwide. As Asian athletes increasingly dominate the sport, particularly in lighter weight categories, this event highlights their capacity to set records and inspire future generations. Additionally, the competition serves as a platform for emerging talents and seasoned veterans, showcasing the evolution of weightlifting as an increasingly competitive and prestigious discipline. The cancellation of specific weight categories post-Championship further underscores the significance of these performances in making history.
In conclusion, the opening day of the 2024 IWF World Championships delivered thrilling moments and historic achievements for athletes, especially from Asia. With Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen, China’s Zhao Jinhong, and Brazil’s Thiago Felix making waves on the podium, the competition solidified its place as a testament to the athletes’ dedication and skill. As competitors strive for excellence, the event heralds a promising future for the sport of weightlifting, marked by new records and rising stars.
Original Source: iwf.sport
