Bahrain World Championships Day 1: Brazil, Thailand, and China Make History
The 2024 IWF World Championships commenced in Bahrain, with significant success for Asian athletes, including historic wins for Brazil’s Thiago Felix and China’s Zhao Jinhong, who set several world records, emphasizing a notable shift in competitive dynamics within the sport.
On the opening day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain, Asian athletes dominated the podium by securing five of the six top spots. Notable victories included Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen, who clinched the gold with a total of 273 kg, while Thiago Felix from Brazil achieved a historic silver at 55 kg, marking Brazil’s first senior Worlds medal in weightlifting. Meanwhile, China’s newcomer Zhao Jinhong excelled in the women’s 45 kg category, setting two world records, demonstrating the rising prowess of Asian athletes in the sport.
Brazilian Thiago Felix, who had transitioned down from the 61 kg category, completed an impressive six lifts totaling 269 kg, showcasing his innate talent and training regime. His national coach, Dragos Doru Stanica, expressed immense pride in Felix’s accomplishment, particularly against the competitive fields from countries such as China and Thailand. Felix remarked on his methodical approach to weight loss and how it contributed to his performance on the world stage. The 2024 championships also saw Zhao Jinhong make her international debut, achieving both a clean and jerk world record and a total world record with a remarkable performance of 200 kg. Zhao’s achievement underscored her potential, having previously totaled 198 kg at a national event.
Despite opportunities for further records, the 45 kg category has been phased out, making Zhao’s victories in this event all the more poignant. Fellow competitor Won Hyon Sim from North Korea maintained her snatch world record, though she finished behind Zhao in total weight lifted. American athlete Cicely Kyle also made headlines, not for medals but for her impressive lifts and enduring spirit as the oldest competitor at 40.
The 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain marked a significant event for weightlifting, showcasing unprecedented talent and performances from diverse countries. Particularly noteworthy was the participation of Asian nations, which dominated the podium, reflecting the growing strength of athletes from this region in the sport of weightlifting. This year’s championships additionally featured the world debut of a new category set to be discontinued, highlighting the evolution of weight classes within the sport and providing a platform for emerging talents, such as Zhao Jinhong from China. The event also served as a vital opportunity for athletes like Thiago Felix from Brazil to make their mark in an increasingly competitive global arena.
In conclusion, the first day of the 2024 IWF World Championships illuminated the remarkable talents of Asian athletes, who filled the majority of podium positions. Historic achievements such as Thiago Felix’s first senior Worlds medal for Brazil and Zhao Jinhong’s world records emphasized the ongoing evolution and competitive spirit of weightlifting. The successes and challenges faced by athletes in Bahrain serve as a testament to their dedication and the increasing globalization of the sport.
Original Source: iwf.sport
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