The world’s eyes turned to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 4-17 as it played host to the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships (WWC). In this gathering of global athletic prowess, Team China stood head and shoulders above the rest, amassing not just gold medals but shattering existing world records.
China’s Rising Prodigy: Liao Guifang
Liao Guifang, a mere 21 years old, emerged as the undeniable star in the weightlifting firmament. Competing in the 71-kilogram weight class, Liao’s performance wasn’t just about winning; it was about setting new standards. Her previous conquest at the Asian Championships had already signaled her ascent, but with her recent feats, she firmly ensconced herself as the unparalleled U71KG weightlifter of her generation.
Shattering a Half-Decade Record
The highlight of the championship was Liao’s groundbreaking attempt in the Clean & Jerk category. Lifting a staggering 153 kilograms (337.3 pounds), she rewrote the record books, surpassing the previous mark by 5 kilograms (11 pounds). This erstwhile record, set by Zhang Wangli in 2018, had remained unbeaten for five years, underscoring the monumental nature of Liao’s achievement.
Watch A Lift Below:
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Liao Guifang’s Masterclass at the World Championships
Lifting the Bar: Liao’s Stellar Show At the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships, Liao Guifang made a statement not only with her triumphs but also with her unyielding spirit. Remarkably, out of her six attempts, only her first went amiss. She soon rebounded from the minor hiccup, effortlessly sealing the subsequent Snatch. Liao was tantalizingly close to setting a new Snatch World Record, falling just 1-kilogram shy of Angie Palacios’ standing achievement.
Breakdown of Liao’s Performance:
Snatch
- Failed: 115 kilograms (253.5 pounds)
- Successful: 115 kilograms (253.5 pounds)
- Successful: 120 kilograms (264.6 pounds)
Clean & Jerk
- Successful: 143 kilograms (315.3 pounds)
- Successful: 149 kilograms (328.5 pounds)
- World Record: 153 kilograms (337.3 pounds)
Total: U71KG World Record at 273 kilograms (601.9 pounds), surpassing her own previous best of 268 kilograms from the 2023 Asian Championships.
Dominance in the U71KG Category Since its inception in 2018, the 71-kilogram weight class has seen fierce competition. Yet, Liao’s recent string of phenomenal performances positions her as the potential undisputed champion for years to come. With her eyes set on the 2024 Olympic Games, the gold seems just another lift away for her.
2023 WWC U71KG Podium Standings:
- Liao Guifang (CHN) — 273 kilograms (601.9 pounds)
- Angie Palacios (ECU) — 255 kilograms (562.2 pounds)
- Olivia Reeves (USA) — 253 kilograms (557.8 pounds)
For enthusiasts wishing to relive Liao’s breathtaking Snatch, a link provides a direct view of her attempt:
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With the World Weightlifting Championships adding the most prestigious title to her portfolio, it’s clear Liao is in the form of her life. Yet, given her trajectory, it’s more than likely we’ve yet to witness her full potential. The horizon promises even more record-shattering performances from this weightlifting prodigy.
Overview
Riyadh hosted the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships from September 4-17, where Team China’s exceptional talent shone brightest. Among them, 21-year-old Liao Guifang emerged as a weightlifting sensation, breaking longstanding records and showcasing unmatched prowess in the 71-kilogram weight class.
Featured Image @usa_weightlifting (Instagram)
