Phuket, Thailand — China’s Olympic weightlifting champion Li Wenwen made a triumphant return to the international stage, securing three gold medals in the women’s +87 kilogram category at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup on Wednesday.
After sustaining a right elbow injury at the World Championships in September last year, Li was forced to withdraw from the Hangzhou Asian Games, leaving fans wondering about her comeback. On Wednesday, she answered those questions emphatically, showcasing remarkable strength and resilience.
Li dominated the super-heavyweight division, lifting an impressive 145 kg in the snatch and 180 kg in the clean and jerk, culminating in a total of 325 kg. Notably, her snatch lift surpassed her own Olympic record of 140 kg set at the Tokyo Games, underscoring her exceptional form despite the hiatus.
“It’s been a challenging journey recovering from the injury,” Li shared after her victory. “Returning to competition and achieving these results mean a lot to me. I’m grateful for the support from my team and fans.”
Her performance not only reaffirmed her status as a leading figure in weightlifting but also signaled her readiness for upcoming international competitions. Analysts predict that Li’s return will significantly bolster China’s prospects in future weightlifting events.
The IWF World Cup in Phuket gathered top weightlifters from around the globe, serving as a crucial platform for athletes to gauge their preparedness ahead of the next Olympic cycle. Li’s outstanding performance has undoubtedly set a high benchmark for her peers.
As the weightlifting community celebrates her return, enthusiasts and experts alike are eager to see how Li Wenwen will continue to shape the sport in the coming years.
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China's Olympic champion Li Wenwen wins 3 golds at IWF World Cup
cgtn.com
