Emily Campbell Earns a Well-Deserved Bronze in Women’s +81kg Weightlifting for Team Great Britain

Politics Sports John Brightwater August 11, 2024

Emily Campbell Earns a Well-Deserved Bronze in Women’s +81kg Weightlifting for Team Great Britain

Emily Campbell has secured the last medal for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics, obtaining the women’s +81kg weightlifting bronze. This final victory elevates Britain’s total medal count to 65, surpassing their performance at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. Campbell had previously attained the +87kg silver at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 30-year-old athlete concluded her Olympic journey with a total of 288kg, showcasing her strength with a 126kg snatch and an impressive 162kg clean and jerk. Following her accomplishment, Campbell expressed her jubilation with a celebratory cartwheel on stage and graciously acknowledged gold medalist Li Wenwen of China and silver medalist Park Hye-jeong of South Korea.

Campbell’s recent triumph signifies the ninth Olympic weightlifting medal for Great Britain, positioning her as the sole female athlete to grace the podium. Team Great Britain culminates the Paris Games with an outstanding tally of 14 golds, 22 silvers, and 29 bronzes.

Regarded as one of Team GB’s standout athletes, Emily Campbell serves as an influential figure who has openly addressed the impact of body image on young women. She has underscored the linkage between physical appearance and athletic performance, a doctrine that she epitomized during her recent competition. Sporting her trademark buns adorned with the colors of the Union Jack and Olympic rings meticulously woven into her hair, Campbell exuded patriotic pride as she displayed her prowess on the global stage.

Campbell adeptly lifted 117kg in her snatch opener, seamlessly progressing to 119kg before triumphantly conquering 126kg on her final attempt. Encouraged by the resounding support from British spectators, she reveled in her achievement, clinching third place as she transitioned to the clean and jerk discipline. While she proficiently executed her initial clean and jerk, she encountered challenges with 169kg and 174kg, narrowly missing the opportunity to secure second place.

Significantly, Campbell’s venture into weightlifting transpired during her university years, initially as a means to enhance her performance in shot put and hammer throw. Within a remarkably brief period of six weeks, she achieved the national championship standard and subsequently made her debut at the 2018 World Championships. Her illustrious career encompasses four consecutive European titles in weightlifting, complementing her Commonwealth triumph and now, two Olympic accolades.

Emily Campbell’s remarkable feat in the women’s +81kg weightlifting event has undeniably left an indelible imprint on the Olympic stage. As she joins the pantheon of Great Britain’s esteemed athletes, her unwavering determination and commitment serve as an inspiration to aspiring individuals globally.